Mobile veteran will take charge of developing recycler’s business operations and exploring new global opportunities
Redeem has appointed ShP Limited co-founder Simon Walsh as its new Group business development director, effective from September 1.
He will report to CEO Paul Adams and will be responsible for developing Redeem’s business operations and pursuing new opportunities in its existing territories and in new markets globally.
In particular, Walsh (pictured) will take responsibility of the new Redeem Financial Services proposition, which will offer leasing options to mobile operators, manufacturers and other businesses.
He has 25 years experience in the mobile phone industry, having begun his career with Hutchison Telecom ad then Orange from 1991-2003.
In 2003, Walsh co-founded electronics recycling services company ShP Limited and became its sales and marketing director, where he worked with corporate clients, mobile operators, charities, educational establishments and the public sector.
He stepped down from that business in January to set up his own consultancy, Asset27, to pursue new opportunities within the IT and mobile market. He then began consulting for Redeem in June to develop overseas business opportunities in line with the company’s focus on international expansion.
Shift in strategy
Last year, Redeem reported revenues of £80 million. It now operates in 32 countries, with regional offices in the UK, Spain, Sweden, Estonia, Austria, Hong Kong and Dubai. Oven the last 12 months, it has signed a number of significant contracts with the likes of Three in the UK, Vodafone in spain and Samsung in Poland.
Redeem recently announced a shift in strategy to move away from low margin, more volatile segments of the market in order to focus on MVNOs and retailers where there are clear global opportunities.
The company is also diversifying and expanding its services, and in particular will focus on two new projects: the Envirofone Shop, an online direct-to-consumer business selling pre-owned handsets; and a proposition that provides a guaranteed value for mobile devices over their lifecycle, allowing clients to develop disruptive marketing campaigns.
Experience and knowledge
Adams said: “Simon brings considerable knowledge of the global IT and mobile phone markets, a proven track record of delivering results, and he will be an outstanding addition to our senior team.
“We’re broadening our range of services to attract more clients internationally and I’m confident in Simon’s ability to develop and forge new client relationships on a global scale.”
Walsh added: “Redeem has an excellent reputation for providing the best services to clients and consumers, but what also appealed to me about the business is that there is real potential to develop its services in new markets.
“This is a really exciting time to be joining the company and I look forward to playing an instrumental role in its growth.”
