JSE-listed Allied Technologies (Altech) has appointed James Rutherfoord as the MD of Altech Autopage Cellular, with immediate effect.

Rutherfoord succeeds Stephen Blewett who recently resigned to pursue new opportunities outside the Altech Group, following six-and–a-half years of service.

Rutherfoord joined Altech Group as the group executive of telecoms in May 2009, and retains this position in addition to his new role as the Autopage MD.

Altech said in a statement that Rutherfoord’s knowledge in the wireless communications industry as the former GM - business direct of MTN, and various other key roles within MTN over the past 11 years, would stand him in good stead.

Rutherfoord holds a B.Comm from the University of Johannesburg and an MBA from Bond University in Australia.

“I am delighted at the opportunity to take up such a key role in the Altech Group, leading South Africa’s largest independent mobile service provider in an increasingly converging telecoms market. Our focus will be to cement Autopage’s position as the service provider of choice,” Rutherfoord said.

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