David is succeeding Mark Warren, who is retiring after leading the organisation for two years.

“After an extensive executive search, the Board is very pleased to have David take the reins of Southern Phone,” Chairman Bill Hilzinger said.

“He brings extensive regional-focused telecommunications experience and will play an enormous role in building on the business’s achievements. 

Mark has really set the business up for success over the past couple of years, and we believe that David is the right person to take it forward to great heights.”

Having worked as CEO of Bendigo Bank subsidiary Community Telco Australia, and in marketing and business development roles with SingTel Optus, David brings more than 20 years’ industry experience to Southern Phone.

David, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, said, “It is an absolute pleasure to join the Southern Phone team. 

The business’s foundations are very solid. 

The company has enjoyed great success by focusing on customer service and regional communities.

I look forward to consolidating and building on these core pillars, as well as embracing new opportunities that will result from the changing telecommunications landscape within Australia.”

David has a history of community involvement, having been an inaugural commissioner for AFL – Central Victoria, Chairman of a Victorian Football League Club and various governance roles in primary and secondary schools.

“I’ve been active in community based sport and education for many years which I think aligns very well with the community ethos of Southern Phone,” he said.

Outgoing Managing Director Mark Warren will remain at Southern Phone until mid-August to help in the handover.

“It has been a privilege to work with the staff and the Board at Southern Phone,” he said.

“The success of the business is the consequence of the efforts of the people who work at Southern Phone. 

I am retiring with the business in good shape, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of everybody. 

I wish David and the Board and the Staff, every success in the future.”

There are 41 shareholders from shire councils all over the state, 18 of which are in the Southern region. 

They are: * Bega Valley Shire Council

* Bombala Council

* Boorowa Council

* Cooma-Monaro Shire Council

* Cootamundra Shire Council

* Eurobodalla Shire Council

* Goulburn Mulwarree Council

* Harden Shire Council

* Palerang Council

* Queanbeyan City Council

* Shoalhaven City Council

* Snowy River Shire Council

* Tumbarumba Shire Council

* Tumut Shire Council

* Upper Lachlan Council

* Wingecarribee Shire Council; and

* Yass Valley Council.