Computerworld

Vodafone comms chief new Tuanz CEO

Former Computerworld editor Paul Brislen takes new role

Paul Brislen, Vodafone's corporate communications manager, is Tuanz's new chief executive, taking over from Ernie Newman, who stepped down at the end of September.

Brislen finishes at Vodafone today and will take a break before starting the CEO role in the new year.

In a statement announcing Brislen's appointment, TUANZ chair Pat O'Connell notes: "TUANZ is pleased to announce that Paul Brislen has accepted the role of Chief Executive, starting in the new year. "Paul has been both an observer and participant in the telco sector for the past decade, first as a journalist and commentator and lately as the corporate communications manager at Vodafone New Zealand. “We’re delighted to welcome Paul in as the new Chief Executive. He’s got a wealth of experience in the telecommunications sector and has long been a champion of the user. He’s got a long history with TUANZ, having contributed a chapter to the ‘Survival of the Fastest’ and the ‘Broadband Reloaded’ blueprint for the digital era. In the statement, Brislen says: “Telecommunications is vitally important to New Zealand’s economic development and I’m relishing the opportunity to do what I can to help the industry along. It’s a vibrant, dynamic, exciting industry and I’m looking forward to jumping in with both feet.” Brislen joined Vodafone in 2006. Prior to that, he was editor of Computerworld, and, before that, a writer on the magazine, specialising in telecommunications.