Kevin Smith resigning as Digicel’s CEO

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Months after stepping into the role, Kevin Smith is resigning as Chief Executive Officer of Digicel BVI.

A media release from the telecommunications company on Wednesday said Smith is resigning to fulfil personal projects he had been pursuing before the 2017 hurricanes.

Despite his resignation as CEO, Digicel said Smith will continue his involvement in the business as a senior advisor. In this capacity, he will provide counsel and support in legal and regulatory matters, strategic technical initiatives, sales, and business development strategies, Digicel said.

“As Digicel continues to invest in the BVI and its people to provide cutting- edge technologies and services to ensure we continue to play a leading role in the region, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Digicel especially our staff who have helped in one way or another during my tenure … It’s been an immense privilege working with Digicel to support the strategic development of the BVI, a role I will continue to play as an advisor,” Smith stated.

As for a successor for Smith, Digicel said, “one will be announced in due course, and in the interim, Kevin will continue as CEO to ensure a smooth transition”.

He officially commenced the role of CEO in back in February 2020.

Below is the full media release as written by Digicel:

Road Town, Tortola, BVI – June 23, 2020: Kevin Smith is stepping down from the role of CEO of Digicel BVI to fulfil personal projects that were being pursued post-2017 hurricanes, it was announced today. Kevin joined Digicel in 2013 as Commercial and Operations Director and assumed the role of CEO in February 2020.

Although stepping down from his role as CEO, Kevin will continue his involvement in the business as a Senior Advisor. In this capacity, he will provide counsel and support on a wide range of issues, including legal and regulatory matters, strategic technical initiatives, sales, and business development strategies.

Commenting on his tenure, Kevin said; “My time at Digicel has been a deep learning experience gaining knowledge and exposure to expertise and wisdom that can’t be obtained in a classroom. Working with high-level executives at Digicel – as well as our Board and Chairman – has given me insight into a wide range of areas including how to be successful in my own personal endeavours. Managing the business through the COVID-19 pandemic has particularly honed my skills during the various strategic meetings enabling me to be able to pivot where necessary in an environment of rapid change.

I am proud of the moves we made to give free access to Government call centers and educational sites, provide discounted services to frontline Doctors and Nurses and high-speed complimentary connectivity to the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.”

He continues; “As Digicel continues to invest in the BVI and its people to provide cutting- edge technologies and services to ensure we continue to play a leading role in the region, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Digicel especially our staff who have helped in one way or another during my tenure. Special thanks also to our Group Chairman, Denis O’Brien, and Regional CEO, Sinead O Marcaigh, for their support, guidance, and encouragement during my tenure.

It’s been an immense privilege working with Digicel to support the strategic development of the BVI, a role I will continue to play as an advisor.” Digicel Regional CEO, Sinead O Marcaigh commented: “It’s been a pleasure working with Kevin. Whilst he has been exemplary in the role, we nonetheless understand his need to pursue his ambitions. As such, we are delighted that he will take on the role of Senior Advisor to Digicel BVI.

Kevin’s deep commercial experience means he has a lot to offer and his support will be immeasurable. While he isn’t completely leaving the Digicel family, I still want to thank him for his service and also to wish him luck in his other future endeavours.” A successor to Kevin will be announced in due course, and in the interim, Kevin will continue as CEO to ensure a smooth transition.