Bates will be responsible for the firm's organic and inorganic strategy, running its M&A and commercial activities.
Sam Darwish, IHS Towers chairman and chief executive officer, said: “I am delighted to start 2022 by welcoming Bill to IHS, and specifically, to our executive committee. Bill brings invaluable experience and an incredible track record of delivering international growth for some of the sector’s leading players. His expertise will prove crucial as we continue to pursue global organic and inorganic growth opportunities to become the leading emerging market telecommunications infrastructure provider. Bill’s appointment is critical to IHS and continues the strong momentum achieved following our listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in October. Listing on the NYSE has provided access to the world’s largest and deepest pool of capital and Bill’s appointment is an important step in this journey.”
Bates brings more than 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications sector and was instrumental in driving international growth throughout the emerging markets for SBA Communications, where he served for nearly 16 years. He joins IHS from Brookfield Asset Management, one of the largest telecom infrastructure investors globally, where he has spent the last five years investing in towers, fibre and data centres.
In the last 12 months IHS has completed on deals with or to acquire Skysites, MTN South Africa, FiberCo and Centennial Towers.
Commenting on his appointment he said: “I am extremely excited to join IHS. Having been in, and around, the tower business for the last 30 years I have followed the IHS story for quite some time. IHS's growth profile has been very impressive. Sam and the team have built a fantastic platform coupled with world class operational expertise. I look forward to working with the team to find new opportunities to drive future growth and expansion of the business."
