3C Appoints CEO

LONDON -- Consolidated Communications Corporation plc, a leading provider of telecommunications services to Russian and Eastern European markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Owen Edmunds as Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect. He replaces Melvyn Quiller, who will remain a non-executive Director of 3C thereby ensuring a seamless transfer of responsibilities.

Peter Owen Edmunds has worked in the Russian telecommunications markets since 1992 in a number of senior positions. Peter was a member of the team that created PeterStar, the first competitive local exchange carrier in St Petersburg, in 1992. He held a number of roles as this business grew culminating in his being appointed Chairman in 1999, a post he held until 2002. During this period Peter also served as Representative Director for PLD Telekom Inc, becoming Regional Director for Metromedia International Telecommunications Inc (MITI), a subsidiary of Metromedia International Group, an AMEX listed company that merged with PLD Telekom, Inc in 1999. Peter was involved in a number of significant corporate activities during his tenure with PLD Telekom and MITI, including;

Most recently Peter has been working as a partner in Tudno Sutton Associates, a consultancy specializing in advising companies on strategies for the Russian and Baltic markets. He is a fluent Russian speaker and lived in Russia from 1992 to 2000. Peter has a tremendous knowledge of the Russian telecommunications market and a wealth of strong contacts in the industry.

David Wickham, Chairman of 3C said: "The Board is delighted to have secured Peter's services. He brings a deep understanding of the telecommunications markets within which 3C operates. In particular his experience in Russia developed over ten years will be especially valuable. He grew PeterStar from a start up to a substantial business and his experience in capital market activities will also be very useful for 3C's development. I would like to thank Melvyn for his excellent contribution to 3C over the last 5 years, including steering the business through the strategically important acquisition of NDNT."

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Owen Edmunds said: "I believe that 3C, through its subsidiaries, is well positioned to grow as a provider of data and telecommunications services by reaching deeper into their markets with products that use traditional and innovative technologies. This is particularly exciting for Russia where the telecoms sector has benefited from the recent sustained economic growth in the country. I am delighted to have been appointed to 3C and believe the experience I gained at PLD Telekom and MITI will be invaluable in taking the company forward."

Consolidated Communications Corporation (3C) plc