Higgie Appointed as Speakeasy's Chief Financial Officer
SEATTLE, December 2, 2008—Speakeasy (www.speakeasy.net), a Best Buy company (NYSE:BBY), today announced John A. Higgie as the company's new chief financial officer.
As Chief Financial Officer for Speakeasy, Higgie is responsible for all corporate finance functions, including planning, accounting, tax, regulatory matters and reporting. John brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial and accounting fields to this role and more than 15 years of experience working with telecommunications ventures. John served as Speakeasy's Vice President of Finance and Controller for six years prior to his current position.
"John not only brings financial and regulatory expertise, but also a clear understanding of Speakeasy's business based on his tenure with the company and wealth of overall experience in the telecommunications industry," said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy's President and CEO. "His strategic guidance through the years has been invaluable and I am looking forward to working with John in his new position."
Prior to joining Speakeasy, John's career in the telecommunications industry was focused primarily on working with development stage wireless carriers across several technologies including cellular, paging and fixed wireless communications. His experience includes operational consulting with start-up international wireless carriers, evaluation of acquisitions and due diligence, procurement of financing, business plan development and project management.
John has an MBA from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Wake Forest University. John is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.
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About Speakeasy
Speakeasy is one of the nation's leading broadband voice (VoIP), data and IT service providers. Speakeasy helps small businesses succeed by offering simplified voice and data solutions that improve the customer experience, increase employee productivity and help cut costs. Based in Seattle, Speakeasy has provided award-winning customer service since 1994 and joined the Best Buy family of companies in April 2007, working with Best Buy For Business to champion technology for small businesses throughout the U.S. Visit Speakeasy at www.speakeasy.net or call 800.556.5829.