James Spenceley

Mr James Spenceley has been an APNIC member and part of the Internet Community for well over a decade. During this time he has been a strong supporter of APNIC events, sponsoring standalone APNIC Meetings in both 2000 and 2008. In addition he has proposed policy initiatives and been active in policy debates.

James founded his first ISP in the mid 1990's and from these small beginnings has been involved with networks and companies both large and small. As a result he has one of the most rounded experiences as to the requirements and issues facing large and small telecommunications and Internet companies alike.

He has during his career been directly responsible for the largest build of an IP network in Australian history (Comindico) where he looked after much of the business plan and products while managing multi million dollar budgets, vendor relations, technology selection and routing policies. The network and products he built changed the cost structure of Internet access within the Australian market allowing many independent ISPs to complete in the Australian market place.

Since Cominidico, James founded Vocus, which he has successfully managed into one of the fastest growing companies in Australia. Vocus now offers IP services in three markets (Australia, New Zealand and USA) giving James a strong perspective on operating an Internationally diverse operation. This period has shown James to have a strong ability to manage a company, plan for growth, taxation and International currency issues all of which combined with his strong technical skills make him an excellent candidate for the APNIC EC.

James is also a founding director of AusNOG (Australian Network Operators Group), defining the company structure and not for profit nature of the AusNOG orgaisation. Since it's founding AusNOG has held two conferences. James jointly with Steve Baxter and David Hughes organised theses events. With their guidance and voluntary time, AusNOG is now a self funding financially sound entity within its own rights.

Having worked closely with James over the past 12 months, I have seen him work not just for the best interests of his own company but also the best interests of the Internet in Australia and Globally. He has spent considerable personal time and effort meeting with ISPs in other regions to understand other more broad issues related to markets outside of Australia.

James' unique and positive mix of business and technical experience and keen Interest in the stability and strength of the Internet within the region makes him and excellent candidate for the APNIC Executive Council.