Rick joins MLL Telecom from TeleCity Plc, where he had been CEO since June 2002. During his four years with TeleCity, Rick was instrumental in building the company to a market leading position. It became the first pan-European data centre services organisation to achieve a number of significant financial milestones ahead of all major competitors. He also oversaw the large scale restructuring and turnaround of the business in 2003, the raising of £8m through a share placing and an open offer in 2004, as well as being central to the successful transition to a private company with 3i and Oak Hill Capital in 2005.
He has also previously worked for high profile companies within the telecoms and IT industries, including Cable & Wireless, Netscalibur and Digital.
At Netscalibur, he was responsible for developing business through acquisitions and organic growth - to create a high-quality and innovative pan-European ISP focussed on the SME market. At Cable & Wireless Rick contributed to developing the company’s growth strategy in Europe and was responsible for the acquisition of eighteen companies, making the company one of the region’s leading network service providers. He subsequently became vice president of Global Business Development, where driving growth of Cable & Wireless’s network service business in the United States and Japan was added to his European responsibilities.
“I am excited by the potential of MLL” said Rick Hudson “as the Company has been very innovative and creative in the delivery of wireless and hybrid networks in recent years. It has been particularly keen to pioneer and champion the roll-out of high-availability broadband networks, especially in areas where existing infrastructure has been inadequate and yet demand for service is both immediate and compelling. In North Yorkshire we started the network build for the County Council in early 2001 and, by the end this year, more than 68,000 students in over 385 schools across the Region will be able to enjoy high-quality internet access. Building on this and similar experiences, the Company is presented with some excellent opportunities given the resurgent interest in wireless and broadband services.”
Following Rick’s appointment as CEO, Godfrey Wilson, managing director and founder of MLL - will move to the role of Chairman.
Comments Godfrey Wilson; “With exciting changes in the world of wireless and broadband, the company is certain to benefit considerably from Rick’s knowledge and past experience. Under his leadership, we are looking to take advantage of the current market opportunities. The company has a sound financial base and has built an enviable reputation for quality, which puts us in an excellent position as we drive for further growth and profitability.”