Buckingham joins Navitas

Former iiNet chief executive David Buckingham has joined the executive team of education provider Navitas as chief financial officer.

Mr Buckingham will fill the shoes of Bryce Houghton, who resigned from the position in September after 10 years at Navitas to become CFO at Slater & Gordon, which is in the midst of volatile trading times.

Mr Buckingham will begin in the new role in late January.

He was iiNet’s CFO for five years before being named Michael Malone’s successor as CEO last year.

He served at the helm of iiNet until it was taken over by TPG Telecom in September.

Navitas CEO Rod Jones said the company was delighted to have found an outstanding leader to join the team.

“David’s strong financial background, understanding of technology and business planning makes him a perfect addition to our leadership team,” Mr Jones said.

Mr Buckingham was one of several senior iiNet executives to resign after the TPG takeover.

Chief business officer Greg Bader left immediately after the merger wrapped up, while chief operating officer Maryna Fewster resigned a month later.

Michael Howard was appointed chief financial officer of iiNet in February, but spent less than a week in the role following the announcement of the TPG takeover bid.

Directors Peter James, Louise McCann, Patrick O’Sullivan and Paul McCarney also resigned in August shortly before the merger, in-line with the terms of the acquisition, while chairman Michael Smith left in late September just after the acquisition.

Navitas closed 1.3 per cent higher to $4.48 each.