Virgin Mobile USA Appoints Experienced Youth Market Category Leader, Joel Silverman, as VP, Sales & Distribution

Virgin Mobile USA Appoints Experienced Youth Market Category Leader, Joel Silverman, as VP, Sales & Distribution

WARREN, N.J., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin Mobile USA, LLC today announced a new leader for its sales and distribution team. Starting January 1, 2005, Joel Silverman assumed the role of vice president, sales and distribution, with responsibilities for leadership of Virgin Mobile's sales organization, expanding its fast-growing customer base, and stewardship of our relationship with each of its valued retail partners.

Silverman first joined in March of 2004 as a sales director. He quickly made his mark as the head of multi-functional teams driving major retail roll-outs. Prior to Virgin Mobile, he built his knowledge of the youth market retail category with 11 years as chief operating officer / chief financial officer of Northeast retail action sports merchandise powerhouse, Blades Board & Skate.

"From the moment Joel came on board he demonstrated an ability to lead and had a sharp nose for our business," said Howard Handler, chief marketing officer of Virgin Mobile USA. "Joel's experience on the front lines of the Virgin Mobile sales operation and his former life as an officer at youth- focused retailer Blades Board & Skate well position him for this broader role. He'll be instrumental in maintaining the high levels of service and support that we commit to each of our retail partners."

As COO/CFO of Blades Board & Skate, Silverman grew the company from just two stores in the early 1990's into the Northeast's largest action sports retail chain. He leveraged new information systems and was instrumental in agreements such as the company's consulting deal with ESPN's nascent X-Games stores and skate parks. Silverman's achievements at Blades Board & Skate were recognized by Sporting Goods Business magazine, which appointed him to its Advisory Board member alongside the CEOs of some of the nation's top sporting goods chains.

Silverman spent the early part of his career in the consulting arena. He started his career at consulting giant Accenture, rising quickly through the ranks from staff to consulting manager. While at Accenture, he directed numerous project teams, developing and implementing creative solutions to the business problems of major corporations. Silverman holds an M.B.A. from the Anderson School at UCLA and a bachelor's degree from Cornell University.

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:

Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC has set the pace as the fastest growing wireless carrier in the U.S. while redefining the entire prepaid category. The nation's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile has attracted two million wireless users to its Pay As You Go service with no contracts and no hidden fees. All Virgin Mobile customers have access to VirginXtras -- a host of music, entertainment and fun lifestyle features, including exclusive content from strategic partner MTV: Music Television. Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint, which operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States.

Virgin Mobile phones and Top-Up cards are available direct on the Web at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/; at 888-322-1122; or, at more than 20,000 locations, including Amazon.com, Best Buy, CompUSA, Media Play, Radio Shack, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sam Goody, Sprint Stores, Target Stores, Trans World Entertainment, Wal*Mart, Virgin Megastores and select college bookstores. Top-Up cards are also available at more than 50,000 locations, including Circle K, CVS and 7-Eleven stores.


Source: Virgin Mobile USA, LLC

CONTACT: Sue D'Agostino, Virgin Mobile USA, +1-908-607-4105,
sdagostino@virginmobileusa.com; Anne Green, CooperKatz & Co., +1-212-455-8017,
agreen@cooperkatz.com, for Virgin Mobile USA

Web site: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/


-------
Profile: intent