Changes to European Management at Liberty Global

ENGLEWOOD: Liberty Global has appointed Diederik Karsten to the newly created post of managing director for European broadband operations, effective January 1, 2011, succeeding Gene Musselman, who has announced his retirement.

Musselman is retiring a the end of this year from the position of president and COO of UPC Broadband, after nearly 20 years with Liberty Global. He will continue to assist the company in Germany as CEO of Unity Media and will serve as special advisor to the CEO of Liberty Global on various initiatives.

Karsten has served as the managing director of UPC Netherlands since 2004. In his new role, Karsten will oversee the day-to-day operations of Liberty Global’s cable businesses, covering ten European countries. He will also remain a board member of Telenet, Liberty Global’s Belgian subsidiary. Karsten, based in Amsterdam, will become an executive officer of Liberty Global, reporting to president and CEO Mike Fries. He also becomes a member of the company’s executive management committee.

Robert Dunn, the managing director of UPC Ireland since 2006, is expected to succeed Karsten as managing director of UPC Netherlands, effective January 1, 2011.

Fries said: “I have worked with Gene Musselman for nearly 20 years and he is one of the best operating executives the cable business has ever produced. He has made invaluable contributions to our growth and development over that time and while I’m saddened by his decision to retire, I am pleased that I’ll be able to call upon his leadership and skills for some of our key growth initiatives, including Germany where he has done a fantastic job overseeing our recent acquisition of Unitymedia.

“Fortunately, we did not have to look far for a successor. Diederik Karsten has been one of our top operating executives, managing the turnaround of our Dutch cable business and demonstrating the leadership and drive we will need during our next phase of growth in Europe, which now represents 82 percent and 88 percent of our revenue and subscribers. I’m excited that he has agreed to accept this position and look forward to welcoming him to our team of executive officers at Liberty Global based in Denver, London and Amsterdam.”

Musselman added: “After 20 years with this great company, it is time for the next generation. I am proud that we are able to draw upon our existing pool of talent for my replacement. Diederik stands out with hands-on experience in marketing and sales and a deep understanding of the international communications industry. I look forward to working with Diederik in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. At the same time, I have great confidence in Robert Dunn and am pleased he has agreed to assume responsibility for UPC Netherlands. Over the last four years, Robert has successfully managed our Irish operations through a rapid phase of build out and upgrades, launching new products and services and delivering strong growth.”