Optus Wholesale boss James Gully has been named as head of Virgin Mobile Australia, following the departure of chief executive David Scribner in February.
Gully, a telecommunications professional with more than 20 years of industry experience, joins from Virgin’s parent in Australia, Optus, where he was head of sales for the telco’s wholesale business.
Gully will lead the Virgin Mobile business in Australia and work to grow its subscriber base, and build brand recognition. A key focus for Gully will be building Virgin’s digital presence and capability.
Optus said Gully’s previous experience with Virgin Mobile Australia, when he served as director or sales from 2010 to 2012, and his leadership skills made him stand out as a candidate to step into the role.
Gully told CRN that Virgin was an exciting brand to lead and that he was well prepared and motivated by his experience with Optus.
“Customers love the Virgin Mobile brand - the Virgin Mobile NPS is really strong, brand awareness is high and the Optus network is better than ever,” he said.
“Having spent the last four years in the wholesale market I have observed many innovators and disruptors, most of which are start-ups. That drive for innovation, disruption and the start-up mentality is what I want to take with me. My reflections on my time at Optus Wholesale show me that we have built a highly successful wholesale business.”
The appointment comes just over a month after Virgin Mobile Australia CEO David Scribner announced his departure to marketing firm Sensis’ True Local SME division.
In January, Scribner told AdNews he had been lured by Sensis’ emerging projects.
“I'm excited by what the team is doing over there in the digital space and keen to see how I can get my teeth into that and grow it," Scribner said.
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