Jack So Chak-kwong, the outgoing chairman of MTR Corp (MTRC), has ended months of speculation about his next move by accepting the position of PCCW's group managing director.
Mr So is in the final stage of negotiations on his contractual terms, although PCCW yesterday refused to comment on any aspect of his appointment.
The arrival of such a high-profile figure will provide the telecommunications firm with a more visible public face, following chairman Richard Li Tzar-kai's move to step back from the glare of publicity he attracts.
Mr So will come in over the top of existing management and report only to Mr Li. It is uncertain when he will join as he has further commitments with the MTRC which are expected to be completed by September.
News of Mr So's appointment follows the resignation last Tuesday of PCCW deputy chairman Linus Cheung Wing-lam, who was in charge of the former Cable & Wireless HKT until Mr Li's takeover in August 2000.
Mr Cheung, the last remaining member of the former HKT management, is to leave PCCW by the end of the year.