Liberty Global, the world’s largest international TV and broadband
provider, today announced the appointment of Lutz Schüler as CEO of
Virgin Media, the company’s operations in the UK and Ireland, effective
June 11, 2019. Schüler joined Virgin Media as Chief Operating Officer in
September 2018, after eight years running Liberty Global’s operations in
Germany.
Tom Mockridge, who has been Virgin Media CEO since Liberty Global first
acquired the business in 2013, is leaving the company to base himself
again in Italy with his family.
“Lutz is an outstanding leader and operator,” said Mike Fries, CEO of
Liberty Global and Chairman of Virgin Media. “During his eight years in
Germany, Lutz led a talented team and created significant value. Since
joining Virgin Media last year, he has made an immediate impact, uniting
the team around a clear strategy for continued, best-in-class growth in
the UK and Ireland. Tom, Lutz and I have prepared for this moment for
some time now, so Lutz will hit the ground running from day one.”
Schüler said: “I am thrilled to be leading Virgin Media. After seven
months working in our operations, I am more excited than ever about our
continued growth potential with the customers and communities we serve
in the UK and Ireland.”
Fries added, “I want to thank Tom for his tireless commitment to
transforming Virgin Media since we acquired the business in 2013. Under
Tom’s leadership, operating cash flow has grown 35% and Virgin Media is
now recognized as the leader in ultrafast broadband, the best
entertainment and superior quality of service. We’ve also launched the
most successful network upgrade and expansion programs in UK history,
ensuring that more than 15 million households have the opportunity to
enjoy Virgin Media’s incredible products and services.”
“Tom and I have known and worked with other each for much of the past
three decades,” Fries continued. “His outstanding strategic and
operational talent has always been greatly valued by me. While he will
be spending more time in Italy, I’m sure he will remain close to the
action in our industry for a long time to come.”
Mockridge said: “It has been a privilege to lead Virgin Media over the
past six years. Since becoming part of Liberty Global, Virgin Media has
reinvigorated its business. The company is now spearheading the advance
of the thriving digital economy in the UK and Ireland with the largest,
most successful programme to connect homes and businesses to broadband.”
“I’m very pleased to now hand the reins to an executive of Lutz’s
calibre. He steps into the role of Virgin Media CEO with a strong
platform for continued growth in the UK and Ireland.”
ABOUT LIBERTY GLOBAL
Liberty Global (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) is the world’s largest
international TV and broadband company, with operations in 10 European
countries under the consumer brands Virgin Media, Unitymedia, Telenet
and UPC. We invest in the infrastructure and digital platforms that
empower our customers to make the most of the video, internet and
communications revolution. Our substantial scale and commitment to
innovation enable us to develop market-leading products delivered
through next-generation networks that connect 21 million customers
subscribing to 45 million TV, broadband internet and telephony services.
We also serve 6 million mobile subscribers and offer WiFi service
through 12 million access points across our footprint.
In addition, Liberty Global owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture
in the Netherlands with 4 million customers subscribing to 10 million
fixed-line and 5 million mobile services, as well as significant
investments in ITV, All3Media, ITI Neovision, LionsGate, the Formula E
racing series and several regional sports networks.
For more information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com.
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