2024 PTC Board of Governors & Advisory Council Election

(BG For terms beginning 18 January 2025 | AC— For terms beginning 19 January 2025 )
Voting starts on 1 November and ends on 9 November 2024.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Statements are provided as received from candidates on the PTC Nomination Form subject to 150 words maximum.

I. Board of Governors

OCEANIA FOR-PROFIT

Mark Dando Rabbit & Lion CEO Headshot

Mark Dando, CEO, RAL Group, Australia 

I’m committed to helping shape the future of PTC for all members. We share a vision for how Telecommunications can help make a better world in the 21st century. As Vice Chair of the PTC Advisory Council I have heard our members say they want PTC to innovate. We’ve improved the conference information, attracted a new generation of members with the Beyond programme, and led with advances in AI. Over the last few years, we have all played a part in the networks that allowed nations, large and small, to use technology for the benefit of their citizens. Now as AI brings new opportunities and demands to our industry, I am committed to a PTC that helps all nations to benefit from the resulting ideas, education and training. I look forward to seeing you face-to-face at PTC’25.

Laurie Miller, CEO, Southern Cross Cables Limited, New Zealand

Served on the BG for the last three years and have contributed in a meaningful fashion to further the PTC organization as well as representing the interests of the communities we serve to the wider industry.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA FOR-PROFIT

Tito Costa

Tito Costa, Chief Revenue Officer, Elea Digital – São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Since the time I have worked as a volunteer starting at age of 15, I have embedded this seed of trying to help others realize their dreams somehow, and I like to think that I’ve brought that value to wherever I go. In our industry, I don’t think it’s different. Whenever I can, I am always trying to connect people/business to achieve more, just for the sake of it, helping others. I’d like to think that I am living a life that in the end leaves a legacy/impact, not only in the companies that I have worked for, but also in the people that crossed my path. I think that the PTC could be a platform where I could amplify this value to help more businesses and more people as I am always “in servitio eto”.

SOUTHEAST & SOUTH ASIA FOR-PROFIT

Roary Stasko, CEO, Telstra International, Singapore

Telstra is a longstanding and proud supporter of PTC and its initiatives. Most recently at PTC’DC, we highlighted how global connections are at the heart of what we do. I believe we are part of a connectivity ecosystem playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the Pacific and impacting the region. Building deeper relationships is key, and Telstra plays an important role in connecting key industry influencers. We need industry collaboration like PTC to set a bold vision to bring us together. I also believe it’s essential to give back to the community, support emerging talent, champion diversity and address the ongoing challenge of retaining talent in our industry. I look forward to the opportunity to leverage my strategy, finance and operations experience while collaborating with my peers. I’m excited to bring my passion for telecommunications to the PTC Board and support its ongoing mission.

Darren Yong,

Darren Yong, Partner, Baringa Partners, Singapore

I would look to advance PTC profile and exposure in the market by bringing insights and content that can support and enhance how PTC is perceived. Support PTC in their evolution to Digital Infrastructure, ESG for this Sector and Telco to Techco journey. By supporting the industry, clients and countries we support advance in these areas. This also includes emerging markets to support the digital divide and provide all with opportunities to advance.

EAST ASIA FOR-PROFIT

William Barney

William (Bill) Barney, Founder and Chairman, Asian Century Equity, Hong Kong SAR China

Having served several terms on PTC’s Board of Governors, including as President and Chair, I’m grateful for the progress we’ve made together. We’ve revamped the annual conference and launched Center Stage to promote more CEO thought leadership. We also introduced PTC’DC, bringing together government leaders, executives, and investors to discuss the industry’s future and regulatory challenges. Additionally, we’ve established the Top Talent Leadership Development Program, an executive education partnership with Columbia Business School, and launched programs aimed at engaging the next generation of industry professionals. Throughout my career as a global CEO and investor, I’ve had the privilege to advocate for cloud computing, open networks, and regulatory reform, which has deepened my understanding of the region’s evolving digital landscape. It has been an honor to serve and support PTC in representing diverse perspectives, and I hope to continue to contribute as a BG member as we expand these efforts.

GLOBAL NON-PROFIT

Heng Lu, Founder, LARUS Foundation, Hong Kong SAR China

I am deeply honored to be considered for the Pacific Telecommunications Council’s (PTC) Board of Governors, representing the Global Non-Profit sector as an entity. My journey, from founding LARUS Limited to establishing the LARUS Foundation, has been fueled by a passion for making the Internet accessible to all, regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers. I firmly believe in the power of technology as a force for social good, and I am dedicated to fostering digital education and equity on a global scale. My diverse experiences in leading both a market-leading company and a non-profit organization have equipped me with the insights, skills, and determination needed to contribute meaningfully to the PTC’s mission. Together, I am confident that we can drive impactful change, ensuring that the transformative benefits of the internet are felt in every corner of the globe, empowering individuals and communities alike.

NORTH AMERICA FOR-PROFIT

Timothy J. Logue, Principal, TJLNova Consulting, USA 

It has been my pleasure to be involved in one way or another in the PTC since the early 1980s. By the mid-80s I was involved at the committee level and in the last decade I have taken on leadership roles, including on the Board of Governors and Advisory Council. I was particularly proud of the success the BG had during the early days of the pandemic steering the organization through the challenges of that period, during a portion of which I served as chairman of the BG and President of the PTC. I would look forward to joining the BG for the next three years as it marches into its promising future.

EUROPE FOR-PROFIT

Emmanuel Danjou, Head of Business Development, Alcatel Submarine Networks, France 

I have a few decades of experience in submarine Telecommunications. Telecom is and will be more important in the coming years. I want to be active with the communities and share my experience to support the team to be able to anticipate the world evolution. My adding values will be collaborative on the strategic, sustainable domains and Economic Intelligence. I hope that my application will hold your attention.

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA FOR-PROFIT

Cengiz Oztelcan

Cengiz Oztelcan, CEO, Gulf Bridge International, Qatar 

Cengiz has already served 2 terms as a BG member of PTC. In his first term Middle East region was not represented officially in the BD and he was an avid supporter of expanding PTC’s BD representation including the ME region. He believes that the ME region is playing an important role in the worldwide internet the ME region contribute to the overall research and academic activities that the PTC works on. Lastly, the different perspectives he brings from the region would enrich the conversations at the BG level and ensure that PTC carries a global vision.

No Board of Governors (BG) candidates in the following categories:

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA FOR-PROFIT (entity)

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

II. Advisory Council

OCEANIA FOR-PROFIT

Reuma Halal-Shibi, Chief Executive Officer, Pair Recruitment

Reuma Halal Shibi, CEO, Pair Recruitment Ltd., New Zealand

I’m Reuma Halal Shibi, and I bring a unique blend of recruitment, marketing, and telecom experience to the table. As a woman in the telecom industry, I’m passionate about promoting inclusivity and empowering diverse voices. My background in building successful teams across industries has given me a deep understanding of both people and business needs. As a member of PTC Beyond, I represent the young generation in telecom, fostering collaboration between established professionals and emerging talent. My experience spans voice and connectivity services with major telecom companies and leadership roles where I’ve driven business growth. As a PTC Leadership member, I will contribute a fresh perspective, an inclusive approach, and innovative solutions to the challenges our industry faces. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of women and young professionals are heard and that we drive the telecom industry forward with diversity and forward-thinking leadership.

EAST ASIA FOR-PROFIT

Joe Zhu

Joe Zhu, Founder & CEO, Zenlayer, Hong Kong SAR China

For most of my working life, I have been dedicated to building a better-connected world. I founded Zenlayer to realize that dream and to fulfill my lifelong passion of making people happy. On PTC’s Advisory Council, I would like to focus on enhancing membership development and strategic business development. I’ll work to expand membership by engaging East Asia’s tech and telecom sectors through targeted outreach and regional events, highlighting the value of being part of PTC’s vibrant community. For strategic business development, I aim to forge partnerships that enhance digital experiences and drive growth. This means creating collaborative initiatives that push the boundaries of digital infrastructure. By bringing in fresh ideas and leveraging my network, I want to help PTC strengthen its role as a hub for connection, innovation, and strategic growth, ensuring it continues to support the digital evolution across the Pacific Rim and beyond.

NORTH AMERICA FOR-PROFIT

Anthony Hatzenbuehler, Senior Vice President – Operations, CoreSite, USA 

CoreSite is a longtime member of PTC, active at the annual conference and we view the organization as central to advancing the telecom and IT infrastructure industries. PTC plays a critical role in bridging connection between business communities which fuels innovation and growth. I view joining the PTC AC as an opportunity to directly support the mission and goals of the organization by helping further elevate the role data centers and colocation play within the organization—and the industry. The industry is in a state of constant evolution which presents challenges—and opportunities—that must be acknowledged. I have the technical expertise that enables me to share detailed insights on sustainability initiatives, operational excellence, workforce planning, and emerging trends and technologies. I am also able to highlight the proven methodologies that drive success, and understand the comprehensive ecosystem of businesses and partners that make business operations possible at all levels.

Nakul Rege, Chief Growth Officer – Global, Bankai Group, USA

I have been fortunate to attend over thirty PTC conferences since 1992 and to actively serve on the Advisory Council since 2013 on Membership, Succession Planning and other committees. After forty years in telecoms/technology, the Advisory Council provides me an opportunity to give back to PTC – an organization that respects tradition and promotes academia. My corporate responsibilities have always been global and cross functional covering Finance, Sales, Marketing and Operations. I developed long term relationships and successfully contributed to growing various organizations – MCI, Verizon, Bankai Group and even PTC. I have also supported telecom development in the Pacific Island nations since the first PITA meeting at PTC in the mid-nineties. For seventeen years I worked closely with the US FCC and US State Department delegations to the ITU. I look forward to continuing to serve on the Advisory Council and contributing positively to PTC’s future.

Robert Shore, SVP Global Marketing, Infinera, USA

I greatly appreciate the consideration to serve as a member of the PTC Advisory Council. My extensive experience in optical networking solutions and optical technologies could provide a valuable perspective for the organization. Infinera serves a broad set of network operators globally, including traditional service providers, hyperscale network operators, regional network operators, and various industry verticals, including the US federal government. I believe I could effectively represent the key interests of Infinera, our customers, and our suppliers, addressing both challenges and objectives. Additionally, as an employee of one of the few operators of an US-based optical compound semiconductor fab (which recently received a preliminary award for CHIPS funding), I could bring a unique perspective to the key challenges and opportunities associated with manufacturing high-performance optical transmission technology. Thank you for your consideration.

Alex Vaxmonsky, Director, Business Development for Global Service Providers, Equinix

Alex Vaxmonsky, CEO, EdgeComms, LLC, USA

My name is Alex Vaxmonsky, and it’s an honor to be part of the Pacific Telecommunications Council’s leadership team. With my experience in datacenters, telecom, technology, and business strategy, I bring a strong passion for fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in the global telecommunications industry. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work across a broad spectrum of technology initiatives. In my current role as CEO, EdgeComms I have had the opportunity to drive technological innovation, lead cross-border telecom projects, and expand market opportunities. I look forward to working with fellow leaders to help the PTC continue its legacy as a pivotal organization in the telecom sector. Together, I believe we can harness the power of telecommunications to connect people, advance technology, and drive positive change across the AsiaPac and beyond.

Ellen Yang, Vice President – Regional Construction, Prime Data Centers, USA 

I will utilize my professional expertise and industry influence to fully support PTC vision and am dedicated and committed to be actively involved in conference and program planning, sponsorship promotion, membership development, meetings, standing committees and contributing to the decision making and broader obligations for PTC success.

EUROPE FOR-PROFIT

Nico Grove, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Kawikani, Kawikani GmbH & Co KG, Germany

Nico Grove, Managing Director, kawikani GmbH & Co KG, Germany

As an active member of the advisory board in recent years, we have created PTC Beyond, got closer in contact with the data center and digital infrastructure investment community. Our next challenge for PTC is further growth in the wide landscape of digital applications and services and connect the dots to the fundamental importance of investment into digital infrastructure. I want to support this ongoing growth path and engage in bringing in more young talents to our great PTC community.

Eduardo Pérez, Senior Lead, Strategy and Innovation, Colt Technology Services, Spain

Eduardo Pérez, Senior Lead, Strategy & Innovation, Colt Technology Services, United Kingdom

Hello, I’m Eduardo, and I currently drive innovation at Colt, where I focus on launching disruptive propositions and creating safe spaces for out-of-the-box thinking. I’m passionate about fostering industry partnerships to enhance connectivity and reinvent business models. With a strong background in NaaS and Digital Businesses, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration in driving our industry forward. As a member of the PTC AC, I would leverage my deep understanding of the digital ecosystem, new customer voices, and European market dynamics, along with my extensive network among industry leaders. I aim to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and valued in PTC initiatives. Having successfully led the PTC Beyond agenda, I’m committed to fostering dialogue and championing innovative ideas that can shape the future of telecommunications. I’m excited about the opportunity to work together to make a meaningful impact for our industry and PTC members.

Omer Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, Start Campus, Portugal 

As a strategic marketing leader with a passion for digital infrastructure and telecommunications, I believe my experience in both corporate leadership and innovation will bring valuable insights to the PTC Leadership. My focus on sustainability, emerging technologies and building global partnerships aligns well with PTC’s mission of driving collaboration across the telecom industry. By serving in this role, I aim to advocate for the needs of the European market, while contributing to a global vision that fosters connectivity, growth and industry-leading innovation.

GLOBAL NON-PROFIT

Francis Pereira

Francis Pereira, Associate Professor, University of Southern California, USA

I am currently an Associate Professor and prior to that, Director of Industry Research at the Institute of Communications Technology Management (CTM) at Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. Research has been an important component of PTC, and I have been part of the research group at PTC for the past 25 years or more. I believe my areas of applied research, particularly in the fields of telemedicine and info-communication technologies for development can continue to help shape the research focus of PTC to address provide viable solutions from both business and societal perspective. I have been on the Advisory Board of PTC for the past 10 years and understand and help shape the strategic direction of PTC. I believe that I can continue to help PTC achieve its mission of advancing development with ICT in the Pacific Rim, and now Latin America and Europe.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA FOR-PROFIT

Agostinho Villela, Chief Technology Officer, Scala Data Centers, Brazil 

As CTO of Scala Data Centers, I firmly believe our region is ideally positioned to become the go-to destination for power shoring. We have the infrastructure, expertise, and commitment to sustainability that makes us the ideal hub for AI training on a global scale. Our region, with Brazil in particular, is relatively free from natural disasters, political conflicts, and enjoys a position of neutrality, making it a safe and reliable choice for global businesses. We are ready to support AI training and inference needs, with clean, reliable energy and cutting-edge facilities. We aim to be the center of innovation and efficiency, offering world-class infrastructure for companies expanding their AI capabilities while maintaining a low carbon footprint. We are committed to being the trusted partner for the world’s digital transformation journey, providing sustainable, scalable solutions in a stable and resilient environment.

SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA FOR-PROFIT

John Garrett

John Garrett, Executive Vice President – Sales Asia, Xenith IG, Singapore 

I have been a member of the Advisory committee for several years. I wish to continue to provide insight and assistance in many of the committees the Advisory committee is involved in such as the membership committee and the also strategic committee. Additionally, if I am able to continue serving on the Advisory committee I would be interested in participating in committees and workshops focused on the subsea sector and any groups looking at the importance of sustainability in our industry.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

Darryl Hawkins, Individual Member, USA

Hello, my name is Darryl Hawkins DBA (ABD), and it is an honor to be considered for the Advisory Committee for PTC. With over three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, I have worked in a variety of roles, ranging from technical to executive leadership. This journey has endowed me with a profound understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. As a prospective member of the PTC, I intend to contribute a unique combination of technical knowledge and strategic insight. My expertise in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI/ML applications enables me to provide perspectives on state-of-the-art technologies and their real-world implementations. In conclusion, I am keen to contribute to the PTC Leadership Program by offering my knowledge, fostering innovation, and aiding in the advancement and development of colleagues. I appreciate your consideration of my application. Mahalo

No Advisory Council (AC) candidates in the following categories:

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA FOR-PROFIT (entity)

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