Michael Malone (businessman)

Michael Malone is an Irish/Australian technology entrepreneur and business executive. He was the founder and managing director of the Perth-based telecommunications provider iinet starting the business in his parents' garage. He is a pioneer of dial up access back in 1993 before the Internet became mainstream. Over the years he has been an advocate for Internet consumer rights as well participating in the metadata debate. He was appointed as a non executive director of the NBNco in 2016.

Michael Malone
Born1969 (age 53–54)
Ennis, County Clare
EducationPostgraduate Diploma in Education,
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Alma materThe University of Western Australia
Occupation(s)Director NBN Co 2016-current

Director Seven West Media 2015-current
Director Wisetech 2021-current
Director Speedcast 2014-2020
Director Superloop 2014-2020
Director Dreamscape 2015-2017
Chairman of Diamond Cyber Security 2014-2020

Managing Director of iiNet 1994-2014
Known forISP Entrepreneur
Internet consumer rights
Technology pioneer
businessman

Early life

Malone was born in, County Clare, Ireland and migrated to Australia in 1978 with his parents and two brothers.[1]

Education

Malone attended Christian Brothers College Leederville (now Aranmore Catholic College).[2] He has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Post Graduate Diploma in Education from The University of Western Australia.[3]

iiNet (Telecommunications Company)

Michael Malone and Michael O'Reilly founded iiNet in 1993, starting the business in a suburban garage in Perth, Western Australia as iiNet Technologies Pty Ltd. It began as one of the first Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer TCP/IP Internet access, as opposed to the store-and-forward techniques (such as MHSnet) that were then in use at other ISPs. It claims it was the first ISP to offer PPP access in Australia, and to be the first to base operations on the then new Linux operating system.

The company outgrew its suburban home in 1995 and moved to Perth CBD office accommodation yet its early growth during the Internet boom was hampered by the ability of Telstra (not releasing Bigpond as an ISP until 1997) to cope with the demand of needed telephone lines, and by the sheer competitive pressure in the Perth market, which had a comparative oversupply of low-cost providers. In 1996, iiNet successfully expanded into the Adelaide market under the name light.iinet.net.au (named after Colonel Light), in partnership with locals John Lindsay and Leigh Hart.

iiNet listed on the Australia Stock Exchange in September 1999.[4]

During his executive tenure at iiNet, Malone aggressively grew iiNet by acquiring other leading ISPs all over Australia. He grew the company to become the second largest ISP in Australia. He was also a passionate advocate for Internet consumer rights in regards to privacy as well contributing to the metadata debate.[5]

Malone was a lead witness and spokesperson in the Roadshow Films Pty Ltd v iiNet Ltd copyright case that was successful in the High Court of Australia.[6]

Malone stepped aside as managing director in early 2014 after taking a three-week holiday in Argentina which was supposed to be a three-month to six-month sabbatical.[7][8] In 2015, iiNet was acquired by TPG Telecom.[9][10]

Business Career

After leaving iiNet, Malone co-founded and was chairman of Perth-based information security company Diamond Cyber,[11][12] which was sold to CyberCX in 2020.[13]

He joined the board of NBN Co in 2016.[11]

Malone has served on the board of Seven West Media, SpeedCast, Superloop, Axicom, and Dreamscape Limited.[14]

Malone was appointed to the board of ASX Listed logistics software company WiseTech Global.[15] in 2020[16] and hif Health Insurance in 2023.[17]

Awards

Malone was named as 2006 First among Equals in the 40 under 40 Awards,[18] Australian "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2011[19] and the Charles Todd Medal in 2013.[20]

References
  1. Cantwell, Billy (27 June 2014). "9 Irish-Australians Who Made It Big In Business". Business Insider Australia. Retrieved 13 January 2017 – via Irish Echo.
  2. "Aranmore Catholic College - Aranmore Catholic College". www.aranmore.wa.edu.au. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  3. "Michael Malone appointed to nbn Board". www.nbnco.com.au. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  4. "ihug Parent, iiNet, to list on NZSX". www.scoop.co.nz. 16 April 2004. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  5. "Malone on metadata laws: 'they suck'". 27 March 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  6. "iiNet defeats AFACT in High Court Case". 20 April 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  7. Ramli, David. "'Long dark road ahead': iiNet boss Michael Malone walks away after 20 years". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  8. Philipson, Graeme. "iTWire - Michael Malone resigns from iiNet". www.itwire.com. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  9. "TPG's iiNet takeover is 'bittersweet' for Michael Malone". iTnews. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  10. Ramli, Tess Ingram and David (27 July 2015). "iiNet founder Michael Malone finally backs TPG Telecom takeover". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  11. Tucker, Harry (22 April 2016). "Former iiNet CEO and founder Michael Malone has joined the NBN board". Business Insider Australia. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  12. "Our Company: Security Through the Offensive Lens | Diamond Cyber Security". Diamond Cyber Security. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
  13. "CyberCX steps up Western Australia play". www.arnnet.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  14. "iiNet co-founder joins Superloop's board". www.arnnet.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  15. "Wisetech Global".
  16. "Malone adds fire power to WiseTech board". 25 October 2021.
  17. "Malone joins HIF board". Business News. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  18. "Malone's emotional journey revealed at 40under40 awards". Business News. 2 March 2006. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  19. Hammond, Michelle (17 November 2011). "iiNet founder Michael Malone named Entrepreneur of the Year". SmartCompany. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  20. "Charles Todd Medals awarded to Michael Malone and Mike Quigley - Media Releases - Channel Asia". www.channelasia.tech. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
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