3 brings in new deputy chief executive

3 UK, the third-generation mobile phone operator, has appointed Kevin Russell as deputy chief executive.

Russell, who starts in January next year, joins from 3 Australia, where he has been chief executive since 2001. In his new role he will report to 3 UK chief executive Bob Fuller.

Russell effectively replaces chief operating officer Gareth Jones, who left at the end of last year.

Fuller says: “I am delighted to bring in such an experienced leader to help drive the next stage of our development.”

Russell adds: “3 has developed leading market psitions in the mobile media sectors under Bob’s direction and I am keen to further this position in mobile broadband.”

3 appointed former Sony marketer Gary Pepler as brand and advertising director to take on Jones’ brand responsibilities earlier this year (MW June 15). His appointment coincided with Julian Hough’s return to advertising agency WCRS after two years on secondment as the company’s marketing chief (MW May 27, 2004).