Global Telecom & Technology CEO Mike Keenan Steps Down; H. Brian Thompson Assumes Role Temporarily

By Beverly Maniago

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Global Telecom & Technology, Inc., a global provider of multimedia services, announced this week the appointment of H. Brian Thompson as the company’s new interim CEO, following the resignation of former CEO Mike Keenan.

 

Keenan will stay with the company as Director, and Thompson will continue on as Executive Chairman, while the company searches for a permanent CEO.

 

In a statement, Thompson acknowledged Keenan’s contribution to the company, saying: “Mike’s decision to step down is a mutual one. It takes a unique individual to recognize when change is needed in an organization, particularly when it is his role that must change.”

 

Thompson continued: “As a shareholder and member of GTT's executive management team, Mike had the vision to make this important and far-reaching change. On behalf of the Board, the shareholders, and the entire GTT family, I want to thank Mike for his efforts to bring the company to where it is today.”

 

Before taking the post of CEO, from which he has now resigned, Keenan served as co-founder of Global Internetworking, now GTT’s North American division. He was instrumental in helping complete the complex merger between Mercator Partners, Global Internetworking, and European Telecommunications & Technology, which created GTT.

 

GTT’s board of directors currently is searching for a telecom executive to come on board as Keenan’s successor, although Keenan emphasized that in the meantime the company is in good hands with Thompson.  

 

“It’s time to turn over leadership of this dynamic company to an industry leader with the strongest possible telecom, international, and public company experience,” Keenan said in a statement. “I am pleased that Brian, who has the skill set and experience to lead GTT through this transition, has agreed to take on this responsibility at such a critical time.”

 

Thompson’s previous posts included CEO and chairman at LCI International (1991-1998), vice president of the company formed when LCI and Qwest (News - Alert) merged in 1998;

and executive vice president at MCI Communication Corporation (1981-1990). He also held positions on the boards at Bell Canada, Axcelis Technologies (News - Alert), United Auto Group, and ArrayComm.