Bell has announced changes to its executive team as Mirko Bibic assumes the role of company president and CEO.

Bibic stepped into the role Monday, coinciding with the retirement of his predecessor George Cope, who helmed the country’s largest telco for the past 12 years. Up until yesterday, Bibic served as Chief Operating Officer. He joined Bell in 2004 as Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, and has also held the roles of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer.

Bibic is the 14^th Bell chief executive to lead the company as it heads into its 140^th year. With his appointment come changes to the company’s executive leadership team.

• Blaik Kirby becomes Group President, Mobility, Residential and Small Business. Previously President of Bell Mobility, Kirby has held a range of senior marketing and executive positions since joining Bell in 2005 as Vice President, Corporate Strategy.
• Claire Gillies has been promoted to President, Bell Mobility. Previously Senior Vice President, Retail, Gillies joined Bell in 2000 and has served in progressively senior roles in marketing, sales and channel management, including as President of Bell subsidiary The Source.
• Karine Moses has been promoted to Vice Chair, Québec. Also continuing in her role as President, Bell Media Québec, Moses joined Bell in 1997 and has held senior leadership positions across Bell’s Network, Field Services and Media groups. Moses succeeds retiring Vice Chair, Québec Martine Turcotte.
• John Watson becomes Group President, Customer Experience, continuing to lead all customer service and support operations in the execution of Bell’s Champion Customer Experience imperative. Previously Executive Vice President, Customer Operations, Watson joined Bell in 2010 as Senior Vice President, Operations.

“I’m proud to welcome Claire Gillies and Karine Moses to the Bell executive team and announce new roles for current executives Blaik Kirby and John Watson,” said Bibic, in a release. “These seasoned leaders will all bring their dedication, proven skills and deep experience across multiple Bell business units to leading the execution of our growth strategy.”

In the same release, Bibic also took the opportunity to outline six new strategic imperatives headlined by Bell’s investment in 5G and enhanced rural connectivity:

1. Build the best networks: Expand Bell’s next-generation network leadership with continued capital investment in all-fibre home and business connections in more places, enhanced rural connectivity with Wireless Home Internet and the upcoming launch of mobile 5G service.
2. Drive growth with innovative services: Leverage network superiority to provide innovative, integrated communications services to Canadian consumers and businesses, including the fastest Internet and best Wi-Fi, the highest-quality mobile services and a growing range of next-generation IoT solutions, smart home products and business solutions like Virtual Network Services.
3. Deliver the most compelling content: Inform and engage Canadian audiences with a unified approach to delivering our top TV, media and entertainment assets, leveraging our trusted media brands and content creation leadership to bring Canadians the content they want the most on any platform they choose.
4. Champion customer experience: Deliver a positive customer experience for consumers and business customers by making it easier to do business with Bell at every level, from shopping to buying to installation to after-sale support.
5. Operate with agility and cost efficiency: Enhance our operational excellence in a competitive marketplace and build on our industry-leading cost structure with a focus on efficiency and disciplined cost management across our business segments.
6. Engage and invest in our people: Recognize our team’s importance to Bell’s competitive success by strengthening our award-winning workplace culture with new technology and support resources and by offering enhanced development opportunities, enabling our diverse and dynamic team members to achieve their full potential.

“Bell’s goal is to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world. Our strategic imperatives frame our longstanding strengths in networks, service innovation and content creation, and position the Bell team for continued growth and innovation leadership in a fast-changing communications marketplace,” said Bibic. “The near-instant connections of fibre and upcoming 5G service, and the opportunities represented by IoT, AI and new content platforms, will create unprecedented opportunities for consumers, businesses and communities. The Bell team’s role is to champion customer experience in a new world of communication possibilities.”

Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.