Beder will lead the Spark Connect business unit from July 2016 as part of its evolution towards becoming a digital services provider.
The appointment comes on the back of an announcement that the present Spark Connect business unit will be split in two.
The unit presently comprises functions in two areas: firstly, the data network, hardware and infrastructure for connectivity and telco cloud and secondly, the design, development and operation of best practice digital platforms and associated products and services.
“Increasingly, these two areas work at differing speeds and require differing business practices, skills, operating models and indeed cultures,” said Simon Moutter, managing director of Spark New Zealand.
“Therefore, the time is right to split the current Spark Connect business units in two, one retaining the name Spark Connect and responsible for our core connectivity, and the other a Digital Platforms & Services BU whose role is to design, develop and operate best-practice digital platforms and the core products and services enabled by them.”
Moutter said the aim is to create a fast-moving Spark Platforms business unit that enables its three customer-facing business units – Spark HMB, Spark Digital and Spark Ventures – to lead the market in a “rapidly-evolving digital world”.
From July, Beder will join the company’s leadership team as COO of Spark Connect, reporting directly to Simon Moutter, managing director of Spark New Zealand.
In addition, Beder will also assume responsibility for the overarching Connect unit and work with Moutter on the development of the Spark platforms business. He will continue reporting to David Havercroft until June 30 2016.
Beder has held several senior executive roles within the Spark Connect business unit.
