UTV Connect gains new Managing Director

David Beck has been appointed as Managing Director of UTV Connect, the telecommunications arm of the ITV Northern Ireland operation.

UTV Connect operates throughout Ireland and sees David join the company with his extensive experience within the telecommunications industry comprising of 13 years with particular expertise in brand building, business development and marketing strategies. This includes several successful years in senior positions with Orange, Vodafone NI and BT Ireland.

David Beck says, “I am delighted to take on this exciting role with UTV Connect having worked with the company over an extended period in a consultancy role.

“The telecommunications sector is worth more than £1bn in Ireland and fibre optic broadband continues to drive growth, especially in Northern Ireland. UTV Connect has developed a compelling range of telephony and broadband products and services in recent years. Our on-going investment in customer service and in our network capability makes us a credible and truly local alternative to the most established players in this market.”

Formed out of the purchase of Direct Net Access, DNA, by UTV in 2000, and known up until 2013 as UTV Internet, UTV Connect is an all Ireland telephone and broadband service provider operating in both the residential and business markets North and South.

Nigel Robbins, Group Commercial Director, UTV Media plc adds, “I am delighted that David will be leading our UTV Connect team in 2013 as we establish a stronger foothold in both business and residential markets.

“UTV is a trusted name across the island of Ireland. We want to build on that brand equity and deliver a differentiated customer experience that lives up to the UTV Connect promise.”

UTV has provided the ITV television service to Northern Ireland since 1959, with expansion in recent years into several other business operations, including owning a number of radio broadcasters.

[Reported by Mike Watkins]