SYDNEY -- Optus Chief Executive Paul O'Sullivan announced today the planned operational integration of two wholly-owned Optus subsidiaries, Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) and SIMplus Mobile.

“VMA has one of the strongest prepaid offerings in the market and SIMplus has strengths in the post paid market through varied sales channels,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Synergies between the two companies are strong and in the highly competitive mobile market, combining these operations makes good business sense.

“The integration supports Optus’ strategy to strengthen its mobile market position and provides a solid foundation for future growth of the Virgin Mobile brand,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Mr Matt Davey has been appointed Chief Executive of the combined operation. Mr Davey replaces Jonathan Marchbank who has decided to pursue a new opportunity.

“I would like to thank Jonathan. He has been a great supporter of Optus’ acquisition of VMA and working towards taking VMA into its next phase,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

SIMplus Managing Director, Keir Preedy will work with Mr Davey to oversee the realisation of the business benefits of the two companies as acting Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Davey recently returned from a eight month posting with Globe Telecom in the Philippines, a SingTel Group company, where he helped establish the small business group.

Mr Davey has been with Optus for over nine years working in the Consumer and Small Business Customer Facing Units. He has extensive telecommunications experience in the prepaid and post paid consumer and business markets.

“Optus is pleased to have secured someone with such extensive knowledge of the mobile industry to lead the new VMA,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Matt will provide strong leadership during the transition of the company and drive VMA on to further success as it expands its product range.”

Mr Davey will begin immediately, reporting to Paul O’Sullivan.

Both companies will remain as separate legal entities.

Optus Administration Pty. Ltd.