The 2degrees board has appointed the company’s chairman and interim chief executive Stewart Sherriff as its permanent CEO.

Following the death of Eric Hertz five months ago, the board has selected Sherriff to lead New Zealand’s mobile challenger, "recognising his extensive industry experience and in-depth knowledge of the business.

Andy Scott, Head of the 2degrees Board Recruitment Committee says Stewart will retain the role of chair while the board progresses a replacement.

“Stewart has had a long association with 2degrees as a board member for the past five years and serving as chairman for more than three," he says.

"In the five months since the death of Eric Hertz his leadership has ensured momentum for the business.

“In addition, the Board was drawn to Stewart’s experience with a range of overseas mobile operators, especially his success as CEO of Ireland’s Meteor, which was the third entrant in a market with two dominant competitors."

Stewart’s most recent role was senior VP and CTO at Trilogy International Partners, 2degrees majority shareholder. He held a similar position in Western Wireless International (WWI) beginning in 2001 after having served as VP — Operations from 1997.

Scott says 2degrees now has a significant market presence with more than $550m invested in national infrastructure and over one million consumer and business customers, Stewart is well placed to lead it to the next level.

“We have great confidence that Stewart and his team can deliver even more value to New Zealand mobile users,” he says.

For Sherriff, the opportunity to lead 2degrees is a unique and exciting challenge in a country he and his wife love.

“There’s huge potential in 2degrees, which has redefined mobile for so many New Zealanders," he says.

"Challenges like this don’t come along that often and for a rugby-mad Scotsman the location couldn’t be better.”

Sherriff will resign from his role as CTO of Trilogy International Partners, 2degrees’ majority shareholder.

He and his wife will complete the move from Chicago and begin the process to make New Zealand their home.