New Appointment Signals New Directions For Compass

Telecommunications provider Compass Communications has appointed Steve McLean to the newly created position of General Manager, Consumer Products.

Mr McLean is responsible for marketing and developing an expanding range of products and services aimed at the residential and consumer markets, including a new prepaid telephone card, cellular services and internet service provider Freenet.

Freenet was the first consumer product launched by Compass, and Mr McLean says that he plans to offer additional internet services, such as web hosting and multiple email addresses to customers who regularly use more than the 10 free hours available per month.

In addition to expanding Freenet services, Mr McLean is working on a range of new offerings, expecting to launch his next product within a few weeks: a new prepaid telephone card that will offer unique functionality that is currently not available with competitors' products. The card has been trialled in the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua region and has taken the market by storm.

New services are also being added to the card, and Mr McLean believes that the new functionality, to be unveiled during the national launch, will be a first for the prepaid card industry.

Another product he is developing involves drastic cost reductions for mobile phone users.

"I am confident that Steve will have a major impact in developing this new market for our company," says Compass CEO Karim Hussona. "His wealth of experience in the telecommunications industry, coupled with his talent for developing new business opportunities made him the ideal candidate for the position."

Mr McLean was responsible for developing new business opportunities for Cable and Wireless Optus, following the sale of his own telecommunications company, Access Australia Telephone Systems, in 1996. He has also spearheaded several projects for other leading Australian telecos, including Dynamic Bell and AAPT.

He arrived in New Zealand early last year, where he undertook business development roles in consumer markets for New Zealand telecommunications companies before joining Compass in November 2000.

Mr McLean holds a Marketing Degree from North Sydney Business College and has attained Personal Development Trainer Status from Robbins Research Institute in California.

***ENDS***

***About Compass Communications: Established in 1995 as a provider of enhanced fax services to the New Zealand business market, Compass has rapidly evolved into a full-fledged telecommunications company, employing more than 50 people in six offices throughout New Zealand. The 100% New Zealand-owned company operates its own telecommunications network with major switching centres in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and with further network points of presence in eight other centres across New Zealand. Key services include telephone, fax and data network services, internet access, and web hosting. The company is headed by Karim Hussona (Chief Executive Officer), who is also a major shareholder. Other investors include John Fernyhough (Chairman), and Paul Carter (Chief Financial Officer). Visit Compass at: www.compass.net.nz.

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