The company responsible for the Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) build in the central North Island has appointed a dedicated marketing manager to smooth the disruptive build process and pave the way for broadband retailers to connect with customers.

Brett Morris, formerly social media and digital manager for Telecom, will be responsible for connecting with customers through a variety of avenues in order to keep people informed about the progress of the build, and which areas will see disruption when.

Maxine Elliott, CEO of Ultrafast Fibre, says the appointment is ‘all about getting uptake’ following the completion of the build.

"It’s important for us that the public’s experience of the build is good,” Elliott says.

"Otherwise it’s going to be harder for the retailers to sell their services.”

Morris was chosen for his understanding of social media as well as his experience with a large telecommunications retailer, Elliott says.

"Brett has experience successfully launching new technologies via social media and other cutting-edge communications channels.”

Morris will be based in Hamilton, although Ultrafast Fibre’s build will stretch to Tauranga, Wanganui, Hawera, Cambridge, Tokoroa, New Plymouth, and Morris’ home town, Te Awamutu.

Check out his LinkedIn page here.