Coote walks away from Commander

After four years as the managing director of Australian IT&T service provider Commander Communications, Adrian Coote, has resigned from his post. Coote, who is currently on leave, will remain in the position of CEO until 7 January 2008.

Amanda Lacaze has been chosen to replace Coote as Commander’s new managing director and CEO. She will be joined by Shane Allen, who has been appointed as a non-executive director.

In a statement to the ASX, Commander chairman, Elizabeth Nosworthy, said
Lacaze will focus on rebuilding the business.

“Adrian was instrumental in building the Commander business into the country’s pre-eminent provider of communication solutions to thousands of SME’s, corporates and Government Departments,” Nosworthy said.

Coote oversaw some interesting times while in the MD position, including the takeover of the Volante Group in April 2006.

At the time Commander’s competitors said the takeover would have a large impact on the data and voice industry.

IDC analyst Tim Sheedy told CRN Commander's acquisition of Volante would allow it to combine data and voice services and anyone in the hardware reselling game knows combining voice and data is what needs to be done to make them chunks of money.

“That’s something none of its [Commander's] competitors can’t do and that’s what has them worried. Competitors can see their margin shrinking with the marriage of IT and voice services,” he said.

CRN’s calls to Adrian Coote were not returned at the time of press.