Bell Announces Two Executive Team Appointments

Bell Mobility President Wade Oosterman will also lead Bell Residential Services; John Watson promoted to Executive Vice President, Customer Operations.

Bell, a communications company, yesterday announced two Executive Team appointments, following the announcement today by CTVglobemedia that Kevin Crull, President of Bell Residential Services, will join the organization as its Chief Operating Officer. The company claims that these appointments of its current senior leaders will enhance its ability to execute its strategic imperatives to improve customer service, leverage wireline momentum and accelerate wireless.

According to it, President of Bell Mobility Wade Oosterman will also assume leadership of Bell Residential Services, the national business unit providing Bell TV, Bell Internet and Bell Home Phone services to millions of Canadians. At the same time, John Watson will be promoted to the role of Executive Vice President, Customer Operations, responsible for all residential and wireless customer service across the company. Both appointments are effective January 1, 2011.

The company states that as Bell Mobility President since 2006, Oosterman's accomplishments include the launch of its HSPA+ wireless network and leveraging of its broadband capabilities with data services such as its Mobile TV service and smartphones. In his role as the company's Chief Brand Officer, Oosterman has also led the revitalization of the Bell brand and the company's high-profile marketing success at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

It further states that Watson is a senior executive with more than 15 years of experience in Canadian communications, previously serving as president of the consumer division of one of Canada's largest telecom companies. Watson joined Bell Mobility earlier this year as Senior VP, Operations, quickly applying his strategic expertise in service, retention and distribution channel operations by introducing new programs and tools enabling Bell team members and channel partners to deliver an enhanced wireless customer experience at every level.

"Wade Oosterman and John Watson are renowned innovators and team-builders in Canadian communications with a clear commitment to Bell's customer-focused strategy," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell and BCE. "Their new cross-functional roles will enhance the execution of our service improvement and wireline and wireless growth imperatives, ensuring we keep Bell's strong momentum rolling forward."

"Kevin Crull is the ideal choice to join CTVglobemedia's leadership team as its Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership, Bell has successfully delivered world-class media across a variety of digital platforms, including Canada's #1 Internet and online portal services, the nation's leading digital HD provider Bell TV and, most recently, Bell Fibe TV, the exciting next generation TV service delivered over our broadband fiber network," said Cope. "In the last 5 years, Kevin has grown Bell TV from just 20 HD channels to an industry leading 100-plus today, while doubling revenue, increasing subscribers by a third and delivering significant profitability improvement."