Manx Telecom’s main rival in the island has a new chief executive.

Alistair Beak takes over as acting group chief executive from the end of this month.

He replaces Ian Kelly, who is returning home to Australia after four years in the role.

Mr Beak joined Sure in 2017 as chief marketing officer and became chief business officer and chief executive of the group’s South Atlantic and Diego Garcia operations in 2020.

He will oversee Sure’s business across seven jurisdictions including the Isle of Man.

Before joining Sure Mr Beak was regional boss for Digicel and he has 20 years’ experience in the telecoms and media sectors.

A company spokesman said the man he replaces oversaw significant changes in the operations and structure of the Sure Group and led the business through the Covid-19 pandemic.

And in fact Mr Beak paid tribute to his predecessor.

He said: ’Ian’s leadership over the past four years has been incredible.

’He leaves Sure with the best wishes of the entire team, whose respect he earned through his hard work and personable approach - which was especially in evidence over the past year during the pandemic.’

Mr Beak added: ’I am really proud to have been named as acting group chief executive and am looking forward to serving the communities that we operate in around the world.

’I will be listening to our customers and our committed and passionate team.

’Telecoms has always had a vital role in connecting people and, now more than ever, powering those human connections is what drives Sure and has embedded us in the islands we operate in.

’Sure has strong foundations and we are going to build on those with investment in fibre networks across the group and growing the products and services offering for our business customers.

’I’m excited to get started.’