17/12/15
Gary Lamb became Manx Telecom CEO in July 2015. He joined the company as Finance Director in 2011 and played a crucial role during its transition to become a plc in February 2014. The Island’s leading communications company supports more than 4,000 business customers, and with almost 300 staff it is also one of the biggest employers here. Add to that the fact that its investment in telecoms infrastructure has played a major role in establishing and sustaining the Isle of Man’s reputation as a world class business centre, and you get an idea of just how important Gary’s role is – not just to Manx Telecom’s employees, customers and shareholders, but also to ‘IOMPLC’. He talks exclusively to Business 365 about his fi rst six months in the hot seat, and his long-term ambitions for the company.
What do you want to achieve as Manx Telecom CEO?
GL: Manx Telecom is hugely respected for the work it does in the local community, and for the services and products it provides for the people and businesses in the Isle of Man. I want to build on this and continue the success it has enjoyed for many, many, years. We have a great foundation for continued success.
How would you describe your management style?
GL: I strongly believe in the saying ‘lead by example’, and believe this applies to me, my colleagues, and our company. My management style is centred on encouraging everyone in the business to lead by example and be the best that they can be.
Why do you think Manx Telecom has been successful over the years?
GL: I’d say it’s because of our track record of bringing the best technology – often well before other jurisdictions and through significant investment in infrastructure over many years – and backing that up with high levels of service. We should never lose sight of the fact that Manx Telecom is a long running Isle of Man success story, we’ve been consistently successful over many years and can trace our history back over 125 years. Not many companies on the Island can say that – and it’s my job to make sure that this proud history continues.
What difference has it made – and what difference will it make – now that Manx Telecom is a public company?
GL: We have had different owners over the years and thrived under all of them. But I would like to think that we have now entered a period in which we have more control over our destiny. If I had to single out just two things that becoming a plchas changed, it would be the level scrutiny we are under, and the degree of transparency we need to provide. We now have shareholders and come under the spotlight from them, and from analysts. We need to set out our strategy and deliver on our promises, there’s no hiding place – and that’s got to be a good thing. There are other advantages, such as access to capital for expansion and investment if we need it, plus being a quoted company gives us an extra degree of credibility when it comes to dealing with business partners.
How important is Manx Telecom to the Isle of Man?
GL: The world is rapidly becoming an ‘e’ economy. In the Isle of Man I believe we play a leading role in making that happen. We continue to drive growth in our domestic economy and attract inward investment to the Island. I believe Manx Telecom is a gateway and an enabler for a better IOMPLC.
What would a future Manx Telecom look like? What’s the vision?
GL: I’d say it’s because of our track record of bringing the best technology – often well before other jurisdictions and through significant investment in infrastructure over many years – and backing that up with high levels of service. We should never lose sight of the fact that Manx Telecom is a long running Isle of Man success story, we’ve been consistently successful over many years and can trace our history back over 125 years. Not many companies on the Island can say that – and it’s my job to make sure that this proud history continues.
And finally, what does success look like for Manx Telecom?
GL: I’ve got a great team around me at every level. Our greatest strength is the people who work for Manx Telecom – and it’s my job to lead the company, set the strategy with the Directors, and to say to say to all stakeholders: “This is who we are, this is what we do, and this is where we are going.” During my time as CEO I want Manx Telecom to be a company that continues to grow and generates cash to invest in the Isle of Man and pay a good dividend to our shareholders. Equally important is the continued expansion of our range of products and services, delivered by our skilled and motivated workforce. If we can achieve this, then that we would have succeeded.
