Avanti Communications Group has appointed Patrick Willcocks to the newly-created role of general counsel.

David Williams

David Williams

Willcocks joins the broadband satellite company from Electronic Data Systems, where he was a senior attorney responsible for the negotiation of outsourcing contracts with UK Government and commercial organisations. Most recently he worked on an $1bn data centre outsourcing deal with Aviva.

Avanti chief executive David Williams said that as general counsel Willcocks will be responsible for negotiating, approving and monitoring the legal performance of all contracts, managing employment law issues and litigation.

Williams added: “The international complexity of our business means that we need to work harder to ensure best practice in our legal affairs, but also Patrick will make more efficient use of our legal budget.”