Macquarie Telecom signals 'aggressive growth' strategy

Peter Dinham
Wednesday, 18 November 2009 05:04

IT People - People

Macquarie Telecom has signalled its intention to aggressively go after its share of what it says is the growing adoption in Australia of hosting services, with a management reshuffle including the creation of new executive positions, at the head of its hosting business which grew by 18 percent in the last financial year to achieve revenues of $95.5 million.

The managing director, Hosting, for Macquarie Telecom, Aidan Tudehope, announced the appointments, which he said reflected the company’s “aggressive growth strategy to address the increasing adoption of hosting services,” adding that “contrary to the general technology market trend, Macquarie Telecom’s Data and Hosting business has experienced continued success, increasing revenue by 18% to $95.5 million in the last financial year, ended 30 June 2009.

Tudehope said Brian Sharpe had been appointed general manager for government hosting and security and David Hirst has been put into a newly created role as commercial manager, hosting. He also announced the appointment of Sharpe’s predecessor, Olaf Moon, to a new role as general manager, hosting account management.

According to Tudehope, Moon’s executive role highlights “continued focus that Macquarie Hosting puts on superior customer service delivery and client management for its dedicated hosting customers,”  while stressing that the financial results demonstrate the company’s “leadership in mission critical managed hosting in Australia.

“As the business continues to grow, we are evolving our strategy to best serve the variety of sectors experiencing the greatest challenges in meeting their data and server hosting requirements.”

On the appointment of Sharpe as general manager for government hosting and security, Tudehope said he would be based in Canberra and brings more than 30 years IT experience to the company.

“Brian Sharpe has a long track record in managing successful IT relationships with multiple levels of the Australian Government. He is recognised among the public sector IT community as a leading commentator and strategist which will benefit our own approach to grow our dedicated hosting footprint in the public sector.”

Tudehope also said that David Hirst, in his newly created role as commercial manager, would be based in Sydney, and will manage customer and business needs, “supporting the delivery of relevant and timely services to hosting customers.” Hirst previously worked for Foxtel, Telstra, Nine Network Australia and News Ltd.