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Ernie Wan
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Ernie Wan, known fondly as the Grandfather of Southern Cross, retired from Southern Cross at the end of June 2004.
Ernie’s impressive career spans nearly 40 years and encompasses planning, engineering, and operation of international telecommunications services for companies including OTC and Optus. Ernie considers his role as developer, builder and operator of infrastructure projects as one of his proudest achievements. He pioneered both the JASURAUS (connecting Australia and Asia) and Southern Cross Cables.
“I am proud to be part of the Southern Cross success story as we have overcome many challenges right from the conceptual stage though to final implementation” Ernie said. ”Southern Cross enjoys broad based customer support and succeeded in challenging the established order in our industry which has become more market driven, more open and more competitive.”
“Personally, Southern Cross has been a great journey of discovery and of learning. However, it is time for me to move on now that my odyssey has comes to a gratifying end” said Ernie. “I believe that the cable market has now turned around and will continue to pick up momentum. I am sure that the great team I leave behind will ensure that Southern Cross has a bright and prosperous future. I will certainly miss all my colleagues and the intellectual stimulation of our business.”
Ernie and his wife Trish are returning to live in Sydney, Australia, at the end of July after a holiday in Canada. While he has no specific plans for his retirement it is very likely that he will continue to work in the industry.
Andrew Riddle, our VP Marketing & Sales, also left us at the end of June. Andrew started work in the
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Andrew Riddle
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Telecommunications Division of New Zealand Post Office (which became part of Telecom NZ) in 1986. Andrew spent 4 years with Mercury Communications in the UK in the early nineties before returning to Telecom NZ where he helped develop Southern Cross.
Andrew has been involved with Southern Cross since 1996 and he says the opportunity to be involved with Southern Cross was a great privilege. He puts Southern Cross’s success down to the commitment and professionalism of its talented team of people, and to the tremendous support from its customer base.
Andrew’s current plan is to train to teach secondary school science and maths.
Everyone here at Southern Cross wishes Ernie and Andrew the best of luck for the next chapter of their lives.
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