Cable & Wireless Appoints Harris Jones

Cable and Wireless plc announced its results for the six months to 30 September 2004/5. The group also commented on mid-term progress on its programme to reshape the company and announced a number of organisational changes to further strengthen the business as the group moves to the next stage of its development.

As a consequence Cable & Wireless is announcing a number of management changes.

Having made good progress with the restructuring of its National Telco business, exited the US and a number of non-core overseas operation, chief operating officer, Kevin Loosemore has announced that he will step down from the Board on 1 December 2004.

"As we have separately announced, our chief executive Francesco Caio will assume direct control of all UK operations in the new Cable & Wireless. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Harris Jones to the Board as executive director of international businesses. Harris brings world class telecoms experience to his new role and I look forward to his joining the business."

Kevin Loosemore has been chief operating officer of the group since April 2003. In his first fifteen months the focus of the Board was largely on the priorities set out in June 2003, namely exiting the USA, building on National Telcos and restructuring the UK to drive performance.

The Board today announces the appointment of Harris Jones to the Board in the new post of executive director of international businesses. Reporting to chief executive Francesco Caio, Mr Jones will take responsibility for the National Telcos and for carrier services. He joins the main Board on 1 December.

Cable & Wireless chairman Richard Lapthorne said: "The group has made more rapid progress than expected against the priorities set out in June 2003, particularly the exit from the US and other non-core markets and our needs have changed.