CityWest introduces new CEO

CityWest will have a new CEO
as of December 1st

The Board of Directors of CityWest have reached into the ranks of the company for their next CEO, with CityWest announcing that Chris Marett is their choice to chart the path ahead for the communication company that is owned by the City of Prince Rupert.

The announcement released on Friday, November 18th makes note of Mr. Marrett's five year history with CityWest having, with the soon to be CEO having joined the company in 2012 taking on the position of Chief Financial Officer.

Originally hired on a three month contract, Marett stayed on with the company adding the title of President to his CFO status. CityWest noted how the unique nature of the company and the industry in the region, as well as what the North Coast had to offer, as contributing to his decision to stay in the Northwest.

Bob Long, the Chair of CityWest offered up some background to the decision as part of the Friday announcement.

“Chris has been with the company for almost five years, and he has helped lead CityWest into new markets across the North,” ... “On behalf of the entire Board, I’d like to officially congratulate Chris on his new position.”

As part of Friday's announcement the new CEO who will take up his duties on December 1st, observed as to some of those areas of CityWest that have most resonated with him.

“The changes in our industry move at such a fast pace that make it an interesting and challenging work environment,” .. “Thankfully, we have an amazing staff at CityWest that is passionate about giving our customers a superior experience with our products and services.” -- Incoming CityWest CEO Chris Marett on CityWest and the communication industry in the Northwest.

The transition plan at CityWest has been in motion since the summer, the new CEO will take over the duties that have been held by Don Holkestad, a 37 year employee with CityTel/CityWest.

Mr. Holkestad started with the company then known as CityTel back in the days of dial phones and has seen the explosion of communication options in the Northwest over the decades since.

During his time at CityWest he has seen the company expand from its core operations as a phone company, to it's place now as one of the main providers of phone, internet and cable television services in communities around the Northwest.

As part of the transition period, the Board chair looked back at Mr. Holkestad's career with the company.

“Don has been instrumental in building CityWest into a more competitive company, and he leaves the position having earned the respect of his peers, his staff, and the Board,” ... “We would like to thank him for his many years of service in a very fast-changing industry.”

Mr. Holkestad's final day with the company will be December 31st

The full announcement from CityWest can be reviewed here.

More items related to communications in the Northwest can be found here.