CellularOne announced yesterday that Frank Amaral will replace Michael Leverock as chief operating officer.

Mr. Leverock, who has been the wireless telecommunications company's COO since he joined the company in 1995, will take a new senior advisory role with the company, overseeing strategy and special projects.

"Michael's contribution to CellularOne has been invaluable," CellularOne chairman and chief executive officer Kurt Eve said. "He has tirelessly dedicated himself to building the company over the past 14 years, and a tremendous part of our success is due to his natural leadership skills and steadfast commitment to business growth and innovation.

"We are thrilled that Michael will remain actively involved in the company in his role as a director, and he will focus on special projects and the strategic side of the business, while continuing to influence the direction of the company going forward."

Mr. Amaral brings to the role of COO 19 years' experience with global drinks company Bacardi. Mr. Amaral is a qualified accountant and started his career in the finance area in Bermuda before transitioning to operations.

His last position with Bacardi was that of regional head of manufacturing for the Americas based in Miami, Florida. Most recently he was director of a hospitality development manager targeting investments in south east Europe.

"We are pleased to welcome Mr. Amaral to the company," Mr. Eve continues. "His strong background in operations, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, will help to ensure that CellularOne continues to grow both domestically and internationally."

For his part, Michael Leverock is looking forward to his new role at CellularOne: "For some time now I have been interested in taking on new responsibilities within the company, especially those that allow me to explore different aspects of the business such as the introduction of future technology and infrastructure development, as well as company growth opportunities.

"Both Kurt and I are thrilled that Mr. Amaral has agreed to take on the day-to-day running of CellularOne in the role of COO, and we are confident he will continue the pattern of success that has been the company's hallmark since day one."