iiNet appoints two new directors

iiNet has appointed an experienced online business executive and a digital marketing expert to its board, following the recent departure of two directors and the retirement of chief executive Michael Malone.

Patrick O'Sullivan is a non-executive director of ASX-listed Carsales.com and chairman of online medical directory Healthengine.

Paul McCarney was a founder of search marketing agency Decide Interactive, sold in 2004, and digital marketing company Life Event Media, sold to Sensis in 2011.

The two men will replace Paul Broad and Simon Hackett who announced their resignations in November last year.

Mr Broad had served in the role since July 2006, while Mr Hackett was the founder of Internode which was acquired by iiNet in December 2011.

The appointments come after iiNet founder Mr Malone, named First Amongst Equals in Business News’ 40Under40 awards in 2006, resigned from the company last month after taking extended leave in November last year.

Chief financial officer David Buckingham has taken over as interim CEO as the company looks for a permanent replacement.

iiNet chairman Michael Smith said Mr O’Sullivan and Mr McCarney would bring a great mix of experience and talent to the company’s board.

“Both Pat (Mr O'Sullivan) and Paul (Mr McCarney) have a strong background in the online technology space and we’re confident that they will bring some exciting new thinking as we continue to grow the business.”