Governance Changes at The Broadtech Group
The Broadtech Group completes executive/shareholder succession plan
16th June 2020 – The Broadtech Group Ltd, parent company of Johnston Dick and Associates (JDA) and Broadcast Services Ltd (BSL) has implemented a transition in its leadership team that will see the founder and managing director Phil Johnston stepping down and long-time director and shareholder Merv Taylor taking on the managing director role.
The transition also includes the introduction of two new board members, Susie Stone and Paul Hallowes.
The Broadtech Group was formed in 1973 by Phil and partners to support the burgeoning private radio industry. The group went on to design, build and maintain studio, transmission and site infrastructure and grew to become the largest independent broadcasting consultancy in New Zealand. The group operates a national network of transmission sites and with the introduction of digital television won a bid to deliver Freeview to 10 out of 11 regions. JDA now owns and operates a Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) network covering over 500,000 Kiwis.
Merv joined the group in 1997 to diversify and grow the portfolio to include telecommunications, specialising in the design, build and operation of cellular, digital microwave and mobile radio networks in NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands. This led to significant growth with the group employing over 100 people and achieving revenues in excess of $20M PA.
Phil will continue to be involved with his passion for broadcasting and will remain with the Broadtech Group as a consultant.
“Proactive succession planning is essential for the sustainability and growth of any organisation,” Phil said. “For the group it’s even more critical, as it’s directly linked to our culture of building and maintaining long term partnerships with our clients and our partners. I am delighted the succession plan has come together and the business is well positioned to take full advantage of the changing digital world and the ongoing convergence of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications industries. I welcome the new board members and look forward to supporting the group’s ongoing growth and diversification.”
Merv stated “Phil is a legend in the Broadcasting industry and has played a key part in the development of private radio and television networks in New Zealand. He has built a quality transmission network, a strong team of talented engineers and established strong client and partner relationships. I am honoured that Phil has agreed to hand over the reins and am delighted that he will continue to support the business going forward. I look forward to the learning and working more closely with him.” THE BROADTECH GROUP LTD Incorporating Broadcast Services Ltd & Johnston Dick and Associates Ltd
About Merv Taylor
Merv commenced his career with NZ Post Office/Telecom NZ as a Radio Engineer and started building cellular networks in the late 80s. He created leading Telecommunications business Sky Communications Ltd within the Broadtech Group employing 100 staff with revenues in excess of 20M and spent the last 2 years as Head of Technology, Design and Delivery at The Rural Connectivity Group (RCG), a joint venture between Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/merv-taylor-72267b1/
About Susie Stone
Susie Stone is a respected industry professional with over 20 years’ experience at GM level in telecommunications and broadcasting businesses. During her career she had gained extensive experience in growing successful businesses in NZ and Australia. In addition to her commercial focus, Susie also has extensive experience working in regulatory policy and government and industry relations. Susie is a MInstD and is also on the board of Wine Grenade, an export agritech business.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-stone-0105038/
About Paul Hallowes
Paul Hallowes has held various senior roles within Vodafone, Ericsson, Spark and The Rural Connectivity Group (RCG). He has a Certificate of Engineering from the RNZAF and 10 years’ experience covering radio, radar, electrical engineering, instrumentation and safety of life systems. He has more than 20 years’ experience in mobile networks primarily focused on deployment of Radio Access Networks (RAN) including site acquisition, design and build, and operations. Paul was also responsible for capital planning and investment and has led the implementation of next generation technology including 5G.
