Telecom Lead Asia: New Zealand-based Rank Group has renewed its networking contract with AT&T for a further 3 years.

Rank Group’s global Chief Information Officer Pat O’Connell

In June 2011, Graham Packaging was acquired by Rank and had its own data network provided by a local service provider.  AT&T’s solution provided the ability to integrate their network with the other Rank Group companies together with the flexibility to implement managed router services and reduce operational costs. The single platform and single contract for AT&T Virtual Private Network for all of the entities helps with managing expenses and improving efficiency for the Rank Group.

Rank Group’s strategic acquisitions created challenges for the company as it seeks to consolidate these companies and to integrate varied networks into one.

“Rank Group has enjoyed a strong relationship with AT&T since 2008 and in particular they have played a crucial role in our emergence as a leading global packaging business. Our respective United States and New Zealand teams work very closely together, and we value AT&T’s responsiveness and proactivity,” said Pat O’Connell, global chief information officer of the Rank Group.

AT&T is providing Rank with a mobility solution that delivers competitive mobile voice and data packages as well as individual packages for employees.

“We’re delighted to be able to continue and build on our relationship with the Rank Group. As a global leader ourselves, we are able to bring our wealth of knowledge, access to significant resources and our world-class network infrastructure to ensure seamless and consistent communications support right across the Rank Group,” said Fred Girouard, managing director for Australia and New Zealand, AT&T.

[email protected]