Virgin Mobile seeking new CEO as Scribner moves to True Local
Virgin Mobile has started the search for a new CEO after the head of the telco announced he is moving to join Sensis’ True Local as CEO.
David Scribner joining True Local as CEO after six years at Virgin Mobile.
Scribner was formerly the chief marketing officer of the Optus-owned Virgin business before being elevated to the CEO role in 2013.
Sensis CEO John Allan announced Scribner would be joining True Local at a time when Sensis was keen to take its growth to a new level.
He will also take charge of the Skip app business which allows restaurant goers to skip the queue when paying their bills.
“True Local has achieved terrific growth since Sensis acquired the business in March 2013 and the time is right to invest in the next stage of its development,” Allan said.
“In combining David’s expertise in digital innovation with the experience of the existing True Local team, we are excited about the future.
“Additionally, Skip has become one of Australia’s most popular order, pay and collect applications servicing over 800 cafes and continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. We expect this will be a stellar year for Skip as it explores complementary markets.
“Both are pure digital businesses that appeal to a primarily urban audience; it makes good sense to bring them under David’s leadership.”
Scribner has enjoyed a wide ranging career having worked at Telstra, AGL and with Milo, prior to his joining Virgin as CMO in 2011.
The soon to be former Virgin Mobile CEO said that the shift to Sensis and True Local would allow him to use his expertise in mobile.
“There’s no doubt the smartphone will continue to grow as the device of choice in how consumers search for and engage with businesses – there is great potential in how True Local and Skip harness this knowledge to help businesses gain more exposure, connect and transact with their community and generate advocacy for their business,” Scribner said.
Scribner is also a board member of the Advertising Standards Bureau and the Australian Association of National Advertisers.
Under his guidance the brand has continued to market itself with a quirky sense of humour.
Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss said Scribner had made a huge contribution to the brand and noted the search for a new CEO was underway ahead of Scribner’s departure in March.
“We are grateful for David’s remarkable contribution to Virgin Mobile Australia and for nurturing a team who epitomise the Virgin way of doing things,” Bayliss said.
“The Virgin Group team has enjoyed working with David and we wish him all the best for his next venture.”
He said the relationship with Optus remained pivotal to the business.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Optus to further grow the highly successful Virgin Mobile Australia brand. Together we will keep shaking up the market and delivering outstanding products and services for our customers.”
