Optus's Chief Operating Officer, Paul O'Sullivan, today announced that Allen Lew had been appointed Managing Director of Optus Mobile.

"Optus is very pleased to have secured someone with such extensive knowledge of the mobile industry," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"Allen will bring vast international telecommunications experience to Optus. He has been in the industry for over 20 years and has worked all around the region," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Mr Lew is the Chief Operating Officer for AIS, the largest mobile phone operator in Thailand. At AIS Mr Lew is responsible for the planning, controlling and supervising the operational divisions: Engineering, Marketing & Sales, Service operations and Information Systems.

"In July this year, I initiated an international search to fill the role at Optus. I am pleased to say that Allen was at the top of the list and that he has accepted the offer of the position.

"I look forward to Allen joining the team, and contributing his extensive regional experience to drive Optus Mobile on to further success," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Mr Lew studied in Perth, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Australia. He also holds a Master of Science in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Born in 1955, Mr Lew is married with three children.

Mr Lew begins with Optus on 1 December, reporting to Paul O'Sullivan. His family will also relocate to Australia.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Phone: 02 9342 7850

About AIS

AIS is a public company incorporated in Thailand. The company is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), and is engaged in the provision of mobile telecommunications services.

In 1990 AIS was awarded a concession to operate a nationwide cellular telephone network and provide integrated after-sale service. Initially, AIS offered a nationwide analog mobile phone system and then in response to a growing demand in 1993 launched its GSM network.

AIS is the largest cellular operator in Thailand.