The Report on Business magazine has an interesting profile on Telus CEO Darren Entwistle, which offers some insight into arguably Canada's most dynamic telecom executive. It includes the surprising contention the 44-year-old may have plans to walk away from telecom in four or five years to teach strategy and leadership at a U.K. university - as opposed to moving on to bigger and better things such as CEO of a U.S. RBOC. The only thing I would quibble about in the story is the claim Entwistle “blew some of his regained credibility with a doomed $1.1-billion bid for Microcell” in 2004. Everyone knew Entwistle wanted Microcell out of the wireless game because its discounting tactics were hurting the industry's operating margins. By making the bid, Entwistle put Microcell in play and Telus in a win-win position. If the bid succeeded, Telus would become an even bigger wireless player in a fast-growing market. If the bid failed (which happened when Ted Rogers made a $1.4-billion bid), the market would be consolidated and market conditions would improve. Entwistle didn't blow his credibility; he made a brilliant strategic move that didn't cost Telus a dime.
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Mark, I couldn't agree more. In fact, I think early on Entwistle was waiting impatiently for Rogers or Bell to take Microcell out of the game. I truly believe he made the bid believing that it was a win-win. Bid low, get a good deal and bolster your position in wireless, or have someone else come in, bid more, and take a competitor out of play — which causes all ships to rise. The fact he was so inflexible with the price he offered, despite protest from Microcell's board, shows he calculated his moves well.
Tyler
I completely agree. I think Darren Entwistle is one of the brightest CEO's that Canada has ever produced.
However, the interesting thing that came out of the Microcell/Rogers deal was finally understanding that the CRTC doesn't know what the hell is going on in the industry. How it allowed GSM in Canada to be monopolized is completely beyond me.
Mark, I agree that the story was a good read.
To be sure the question of “what's next” is always tough, and it could be that has you stuck. It isn't easy. But if it truly is that nasty? Pull the bloody chute.
The only thing I found a bit hard to wrap my head around was the whole “gee I'm so unhappy” thing. The way Reguly kept talking about it really had me scratching my head over whether he really is, or that was just Reguly's angle for the story.
Um, dude, if you are that unhappy? Leave the frickin' building. Life goes on. It might get worse for others you leave behind, but move on. Trust me on that one
Seriously, dude. Ping me. It sucks at first but then it's pretty sweet on the outside. And you're only 44. You ain't done.
- Stuart