RESTON, VA (August 9, 2002) -- VIA NET.WORKS, Inc. (Nasdaq and EASE: VNWI) today announced the appointment of Mr. Michael McTighe, an international telecommunications industry veteran, to its Board of Directors.
Mr. McTighe’s career spans 26 years in the telecommunications and technology sector. Most recently, McTighe was Chief Executive Officer of Carrier1, having taken over the leadership of the pan-European carrier in October 2001 to effect a complete company restructuring. Before Carrier1, Mr. McTighe was Executive Director and Chief Executive, Global Operations for Cable & Wireless plc, responsible for strategy, business development and mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he served as President and CEO of Philips Consumer Communications LLP, spent five years with Motorola with responsibilities for Europe and Asia and worked for 10 years with GE in various European markets. In addition, he holds a number of other non-executive directorships. Mr. McTighe holds a BS in Electronic Engineering from University College in London.
“Mike’s significant experience in the international telecommunications field and his strategic roles in business development and corporate restructuring are a significant addition to the board. He brings to VIA in-depth knowledge and background of the European telecommunications and Internet markets,” said Steve Halstedt, Chairman of the Board of VIA. “We look forward to his strategic and operational input as we continue the turnaround of the company.”
VIA also announced that Karl Maier, Acting Chief Executive Officer since January of 2002, has been named President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Maier will continue his role as Acting Chief Executive Officer while the company continues its search for a permanent CEO.
Mr. Maier stated, “I appreciate the confidence that our board has shown in me and my efforts to date by this permanent appointment.” Mr. Halstedt added, “Karl has brought a renewed focus to VIA. We believe this appointment will bring stability to the management team and permit the company to continue its solid progress in pursuing its operational turnaround and longer term strategies.”
About VIA NET.WORKS, Inc.
VIA NET.WORKS, Inc. (Nasdaq and EASE: VNWI) is a single-source provider of managed Internet services for business, with operations in North America and Europe.
VIA local operations offer a comprehensive portfolio of flexible and reliable managed Internet services encompassing areas such as connectivity, hosting, security, messaging, and professional services. VIA is a facilities-based Internet services company, managing its own backbone network. This unique combination - the agility of a local, customer-focused company and the reliability of an international high-speed network - allows VIA to be highly responsive to specific customer needs and to deliver quality solutions. VIA is headquartered at 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Virginia, USA, 20190. More information about VIA can be obtained by visiting our website at www.vianetworks.com.