Deloitte Appoints Two New Sector Leaders to U.S. Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice

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Jun 06, 2012, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte, the largest professional services organization in the United States, today announced the appointment of Craig W. Wigginton to lead the telecommunications sector within its national technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) practice. In addition, Deloitte has appointed Jerry Belson as the national sector leader for media & entertainment (M&E).

Wigginton and Belson succeed Phil Asmundson, who previously led both sectors. Asmundson continues to lead the global and Americas telecommunications sectors and serve Deloitte's key TMT clients.

In their new roles Wigginton and Belson will lead strategic industry research, service development and delivery to clients. Telecommunications sector clients include companies ranging from major satellite and telecom carriers to content providers and equipment suppliers. Deloitte's M&E clients include major cable operators and TV networks, filmed entertainment, interactive gaming and Internet firms, publishers, music companies and advertisers.

"Craig and Jerry bring deep industry knowledge and expertise to help our clients address today's challenges head-on," said Karen Mazer, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and managing principal of U.S. industries. "We congratulate Craig and Jerry in their new roles and thank Phil for his outstanding leadership and continued commitment to the TMT practice."

Telecom Leadership
Wigginton currently serves as the U.S. telecommunications leader to Deloitte's audit and advisory services practice and is also the northeast regional leader for technology and telecommunications. Serving Deloitte for nearly 25 years, Wigginton has experience helping large and complex companies, particularly in the telecommunications sector, thrive in a variety of market conditions. Specializing in wireless and wireline, Wigginton has been heavily involved in the mergers and acquisitions arena, as well as emerging technologies and the digital convergence shaping the telecommunications industry.

"Today's advancements in wireless standards, the global proliferation of mobile devices and apps, evolving carrier business models, and new value-added vertical markets such as retail and healthcare are rapidly transforming the telecommunications industry," said Wigginton. "We want to ensure that organizations are prepared to take advantage of the digital ecosystem."

Wigginton is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York, New Jersey and Hawaii State Societies of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for New Jersey Public Broadcasting (formerly NJN).

Media & Entertainment Sector Leadership
Belson, who also serves as the global consulting leader for the TMT practice, has been with Deloitte for 27 years. He has led clients across the three TMT sectors and built up in-depth experience in IT and business strategy, operations improvement, merger integration and enterprise transformation.

"How, when and where Americans are consuming media and entertainment is evolving dramatically due to new technology breakthroughs," said Belson. "This is an exciting time to work with clients to stay ahead of the opportunities and risks associated with the shifting marketplace."

Previously, Belson served as telecommunications consulting practice leader for the U.S. and the managing director for the Washington D.C. commercial consulting practice. Belson has also been active in initiatives aimed at leveraging TMT industry capabilities to create cross-industry solutions, such as tele-health). He represents Deloitte on the Board of Advisors of the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business Institute for Communications Management.

"No industry has experienced the level of change seen in TMT this past decade," said Eric Openshaw, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and U.S. Technology, Media & Telecommunications leader. "Craig and Jerry possess the vision, industry insights and commitment to quality that will help our clients navigate these changes, deliver on marketplace commitments and plan for future growth."

About Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice
Deloitte's technology, media & telecommunications practice is comprised of more than 1,400 clients in the U.S., including the vast majority of market category leaders across all sector segments. Deloitte practitioners, many with direct industry experience, deliver a breadth of services including professional audit, consulting, enterprise risk management, financial advisory and tax. The practice is also home to the Deloitte Center for the Edge, which conducts original research and develops substantive points of view for new corporate growth. The Silicon Valley-based Center helps senior executives make sense of and profit from emerging opportunities on the edge of business and technology.

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.