Allen Asher to become the CEO of a new consumer telecoms body

As the new consumer telecoms body ACCAN name Allan Asher, a highly regarded and highly experienced champion of the consumer with strong background in trade practices and telecoms, as its CEO the strength of representation for the consumer on telecommunications issues looks to be getting a significant boost.

In an initiative started by Stephen Conroy, the communications minister, the Consumer Telecommunications Network (CTN) and a number of smaller consumer telecoms bodies have merged to form The Australian Consumer Communications Action Network (ACCAN). July 1st 2009 is currently the date set for it to become fully operational. Teresa Corbin, the CEO of CTN will become the ACCAN deputy CEO, although due to the work currently being undertaken in the formation of ACCAN both Corbin and Asher will not be beginning their roles formally until July.

ACCAN have stated “Allan brings vast consumer experience which he has exercised at the very highest levels in Australia, the UK, Europe and at the United Nations.”

Until its merger with Telecom Australia back in 1992 which created Telstra Asher was the head of corporate affairs for the Overseas Telecommunications Corporation. Following this he joined the ACCC and became deputy chairman of the group. He became part of a panel of three people who had the role of extensive investigation into the very lightly regulated telecommunications industry in New Zealand, during which time recommendations were made for the adoption of an Australian-style declared services regime and a regulatory body in their report.

ACCAN said “He has been a beacon for consumers in numerous roles…with director positions in the Trade Practices Commission and Choice in Australia, Which? (Choice’s equivalent in the UK) and Consumers International, and as director of Energywatch, the gas and electricity consumer council in the UK.”

Alex Varley, the ACCAN chairman said “Australian consumers are demanding a fresh approach to consumer consultation and engagement in communications issues, We are confident that Allan will deliver the right mix of local knowledge, appropriate international experience and an exceptional background in consumer representation…She and Allan will make a very strong team with a combination of campaigning, communication and policy skills and a vast knowledge of both the Australian and international scene.”