Asia Online is officially confirming the restructuring plans reported by IDGNet last month.
The company restructure involves consolidating core functions and "eliminating duplicated roles across Australia and New Zealand" according to a statement yesterday.
The changes effectively make Asia Online in New Zealand a branch operation, with many of its services being run from Australia. They also see the departure of general manager Hugh McKellar and several other staff. McKellar, who is credited with stabilising and developing the company in its former incarnation as the Internet Company of New Zealand, will be replaced by the company's head of professional services Kevin Francis.
In keeping with Asia Online's regional focus, the company says the New Zealand branch will become a "centre of excellence" for the Asia Pacific region in areas such as managed security services and technical support and services. Some of its staff have gone elsewhere in the regional operation: Grant McGough has been appointed Regional Technical Support Manager, and Tony Wicks takes on a network operations role for the Asia Pacific region.
Pascal Grant, CEO of Asia Online Australia and New Zealand, paid tribute in the statement to McKellar's "exceptional leadership and direction to our New Zealand customers. He passes the baton to Kevin, who will lead the company into its next phase of expansion into the professional services market."
Francis says will concentrate on the "four key areas of hosting, systems integration professional services and web development. These services will provide New Zealand businesses with access to advanced internet business solutions and expertise from across the region through the Asia Online network."