Viya announced Thursday that Siobhan James-Alexander has been appointed its new chief executive officer following the retirement of Geraldine Pitt.
James-Alexander brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the telecommunications and leadership sectors, according to the announcement.
The change comes as residents have expressed frustration with Viya, including the diminished presence of local agents, prompting questions about the reliability and quality of the telecom provider’s services.
Addressing the complaints at Public Services Commission meeting in March, Pitt acknowledged that the utility’s service level fell below the mark in October, November and December.
“What I could also say is that from January and February, we are way above the expectation and there is no reason to think that’s [an] anomaly in any way,” she said, calling it a “reflection of the direction the business is going in and the changes being made.”
Pitt said a number of factors contribute to service issues — including power outages, maintenance work and scheduling issues — before assuring the PSC and the public that the problems are “not customary for Viya.”
“And we are headed, definitely, in a different direction,” she said. Pitt called the last year a transition year for the company which included relocating call center services to Guyana. Pitt acknowledged that there has been a “learning curve.”
Most recently, James-Alexander served as CEO of Logic Cayman, a company based in the Cayman Islands recognized as the “Best Internet,” “Best TV Provider,” and “Best Business Solutions Provider” under leadership, demonstrating her ability to lead and drive growth in a dynamic market, according to Thursday’s statement announcing the leadership change.
Prior to her role at Logic Cayman, James-Alexander held the position of CEO at Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) in Saint Lucia. “She also hones extensive telecommunications experience which includes six years as CEO of Digicel St. Lucia, and other leadership roles at Digicel St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with oversight for Grenada,” the announcement stated.
“We are thrilled to welcome Siobhan to the Viya team,” said Niall Sheely, newly appointed One Communications CEO of the Island Markets of Bermuda, Cayman Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands. “Her extensive experience in telecommunications, combined with her proven leadership and strategic vision, makes her the ideal candidate to lead Viya into its next phase of growth and innovation.”
“James-Alexander’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with Viya’s mission to provide cutting-edge telecommunications solutions that support the Virgin Islands’ growth and resilience,” the statement continued.
Pitt, who joined Viya in November 2018, retired March 31, it said. “Pitt has made history as Viya’s first female CEO and longest-serving CEO, bringing a distinguished career and a wealth of experience to the company.”
“Geraldine has been an invaluable asset to Viya,” said Niall Sheely. “Her deep understanding of the Caribbean telecommunications landscape, coupled with her unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, has been instrumental in shaping Viya’s success. We are grateful for her leadership and dedication.”
Throughout her tenure, Pitt focused on building upon Viya’s strong foundation, with a renewed emphasis on meeting the evolving needs of customers, according to the statement. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have contributed significantly to the company’s growth and expansion, it said.
“It has been a privilege to lead Viya and serve the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Pitt. “I am proud of the progress we have made in repositioning the business for future success. Through change we have grown, and I am confident that under Siobhan’s leadership, Viya will continue to thrive in the years to come. I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Viya team past and present for their hard work and dedication.”
Pitt will continue to support Viya as a member of the Advisory Board.
