Technology >> CEO Interviews >> February 15, 1999

Joe Basile – Gst Telecommunications (gstx)

JOE BASILE brings over 18 years of telecommunications experience to GST. Mr. Basile came to GST in March 1997 as President and Chief Operating Officer. In September of 1998, Mr. Basile was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Basile has been instrumental in the strategic re-alignment of GST's focus on its core telecom, broadband, and data services, as well as the Company's improved operational performance. Prior to joining GST, Mr. Basile served as Chief Operating Officer for Cable & Wireless, Inc., Mr. Basile managed all activities associated with the company's voice, data, wireless, and local business units. While COO, he was instrumental in increasing revenue growth and operating margin performance through the repositioning of products, refocusing the sales effort and reducing overhead and operating costs. Under Mr. Basile's leadership, the company increased revenue by 29 percent and operating profit by 19 percent in 1996. In addition, Mr. Basile held the position of Senior Vice President of Network and Systems Operations for Cable & Wireless, where he directed network operations for the company's voice and data services, as well as the United States portion of its global transport and data network. Furthermore, Mr. Basile revamped his organization and instituted customer focus activities which vastly improved performance indices on installation, maintenance and overall service for the company. He also directed a system reorganization which dramatically decreased network and access costs. Mr. Basile has extensive telecommunications experience in key facets of the business. Prior to Cable & Wireless, he held senior management positions with Telesphere Communications and National Telephone Services, and various management positions with MCI and Pac Tel. He holds a B.S. in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Profile
TWST: Give us a background summary on the company, enough information

from your viewpoint to put us into context as to what you see as your

company, what you see as your business today?

Mr.