Following the completion of an acquisition process that has resulted in Apax France and Fortino Capital becoming Melita's new shareholders, the Board of Directors has announced that Mr Andrei Torriani will hand over the management of the company after 7 years leading the Melita Group. Mr Harald Rösch has been appointed as the new CEO and he will be taking over Melita's executive management function following a thorough handing over and transition period.
Mr Rösch brings a wealth of international experience to Melita, predominantly in digital products, broadband and building valuable customer relationships. Until recently, he was a Board Member and CEO of blizoo Media and Broadband EAD, the largest operator in Bulgaria. Previously, Mr. Rösch served as CEO of German operator Kabel BW GmbH and HanseNet,,Managing Director of the Internet Business Unit at Telecom Italia and member of the Supervisory Board at Sky Deutschland AG as well as sitting on the board of Seat Pagine Gialle Spa and Chairman of United Digital Group GmbH. Currently the Chairman of Internetstores GMBH, Mr. Rösch is 48 years old and has an MBA from INSEAD.
During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, Mr Torriani has shifted the strategic direction of the company from focusing almost exclusively on pay-TV cable operations to a convergence strategy where fixed and wireless services work seamlessly together to provide more customer value and unique customer experiences. Melita's successful adoption of convergence strategy is hailed as a best practice case across Europe's telecom landscape. Melita's key infrastructure investments have been recognised by the European Commission and enabled Malta to place at the top of the European charts for next generation broadband coverage.
Mr Torriani said "I wish the new shareholders, Harald and all the Melita team the very best for the future and I will continue to support Harald and Melita as required. Over the course of 7 years working hard with the team, Melita has gradually become my second family. There is always a time to move on - that time for me is now and I look forward to spend more time with my family. I am very proud of what we achieved together over the last 7 years, setting Melita on course for future growth through the successful adoption of convergence and achieving European wide recognition for propelling Malta to the top position of next generation broadband coverage charts. Melita is well positioned to continue reaping the fruits of its investments and to offer more value to its customers."
Incoming Chief Executive Officer Mr. Harald Rösch said "I am very much looking forward to drive Melita into its next development cycle, building on the strong foundations that were put in place by Andrei and his team. Melita is a great company with a bright future and very talented employees dedicated to provide the best possible experience to our customers.
Digital, broadband and customer experience will undoubtedly spearhead our growth strategy for the coming years to strengthen Melita's position as the leader in broadband and communication services for the Maltese Islands."