Dana Strong Becomes Virgin Media COO

DENVER: Dana Strong, currently the managing director of UPC Ireland, is taking on the role of COO of Virgin Media as of July 1, with her UPC Ireland post being taken over by Magnus Ternsjö.

Strong will serve as chairman of UPC Ireland while taking on new responsibilities at Virgin Media. She will be reporting to Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media’s incoming CEO. Strong is replacing Andrew Barron, who has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.

Ternsjö is taking over as managing director of UPC Ireland following Strong’s appointment. Ternsjö has been serving as the managing director of Liberty Global’s Central European DTH satellite TV business since 2009.

Mike Fries, the president and CEO of Liberty Global, said: “Dana has over 20 years of experience in the media industry and has been an integral member of the Liberty Global family for 14 years. She has a proven track record of delivering profitable growth and customer service excellence to the operations she’s led in Australia and Ireland. I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Andrew Barron, who played a key role in building Virgin Media’s outstanding strategic, product and operating platform and who has been pivotal in the company’s success.”

Mockridge added: “I’m thrilled that Dana has decided to join me and the rest of our world-class management team. Her broad operating background and experience leading one of Liberty’s fastest growing countries will serve her well at Virgin Media, as we look to accelerate the company’s growth agenda.”

Strong commented: “This is a very exciting time for our company. I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of Virgin Media’s business and I’m delighted to be appointed chairman of UPC Ireland, so I can continue to contribute to its future success.”