Former Communications Minister, Richard Alston, has been appointed chairman of telecommunications equipment company, Broadcast Services Australia Ltd (BSA).

Alston will take up the position at BSA’s annual general meeting on 23 November, when Brett Crowley retires to focus on other business interests.

Crowley says: “I am delighted Richard Alston has agreed to join the board to lead BSA through the next stage of its growth.

“My three years as Chairman have been enjoyable and satisfying, having been part of the team that has returned the company to profitability and established BSA as a strong participant in the broadcast and telecommunications industry.

“I expect the strong management team now in place will continue to drive revenue and earnings in this continually developing industry.”

Alston retired from Parliament last year, after serving for more than seven years as Communications Minister. He says: “The opportunity to chair a company with dynamic management and business potential in both broadcast and telecommunications is very appealing.

“The company is well placed to expand its delivery of quality services to communications carriers, subscription television providers and broadcasters of both radio and television at various levels of complexity.

“As the digital rollout is in full swing and broadband delivery enters its next phase, the opportunity to play a part in BSA’s future is very exciting.”

Alston’s package includes a $70 000 annual director’s fee, plus one million share options vesting in 12 months, granted at the weighted average trading price five days before his appointment to the Board.