Henry Calvert (Optus) is the new Chair of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the peak industry body representing the mobile telecommunications industry.

Mr Calvert, who is Optus’ Director, Mobile Access and Products Strategy, takes over the role today from Louise Sexton (VHA), who has chaired AMTA over the past two years.

Members of the AMTA Board and CEO, Chris Althaus, thanked Ms Sexton, Group Executive, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, VHA, for her guidance and dedication to the industry over the past two years as Board Chair.

“AMTA never underestimates the commitment to whole-of-industry issues taken on by Directors in addition to the leadership roles with their own organisations. In particular, the Chair has the task of managing the Board and providing high-level industry representation. During Louise’s term AMTA has continued to plan and implement a wide range of initiatives on behalf of the mobile sector, including the critical period when AMTA has led the industry’s case for access to the radiofrequency spectrum resources required to enable the industry to meet rapidly growing demand for mobile broadband services in Australia. We sincerely thank her for her all her efforts over the past two years.” Mr Althaus said.

Incoming Chair, Mr Calvert is Optus’ Director, Mobile Access and Products Strategy director in the product and delivery division that manages Optus’ emerging technologies across mobile and fixed platforms, with specific responsibility for mobile and mobile broadband.

He has more than 15 years’ experience in mobile telecommunications, including working in the fixed and converged portfolios for the past five years. He has been involved in the deployment of mobile networks in more than 10 countries.

Mr Calvert has also held an executive management committee position in the GSMA, a leading international industry association.

“It is a very exciting and challenging time for our industry. For us to continue to meet the burgeoning demands of our customers for mobile data and broadband services, we need to move quickly from the current policy discussion/formulation phase to concrete decisions on the quantity and use of spectrum to allow vital operational planning decisions and investments,” he said.

“AMTA has a key role in presenting a concerted industry view on these timing issues on spectrum access which will have a profound impact on Australia’s future economic prosperity, productivity and ability to participate fully in the digital economy.”

Mr Calvert paid tribute Ms Sexton, who remains on the AMTA Board representing VHA.

AMTA Board Members are: Henry Calvert, Chair (Optus); Josh Delgardo, Deputy Chair (Samsung); Emile Baak (Nokia); Jacqueline Hey (Ericsson Australia); Ross Fielding (Telstra); Timo Brouwer (Motorola); Brendan Park (Alcatel-Lucent); Kalevi Kostiainen (Nokia Siemens Networks).