Cloud-based social WiFi provider, Purple WiFi, has embarked on the next stage of its global development with strategic expansion into Asia Pacific. This growth will be delivered by the company’s latest senior hire, Allen Pan, who takes on the new role of VP – Asia Pacific.
Allen Pan joins Purple WiFi from global WiFi network provider, Boingo, where he built the company’s entire Asia Pacific Business Unit and Operations from ground-zero, accounting for over half of Boingo’s overall network footprint. Within this role he secured major carrier partnerships across the region in a number of countries including China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia.
Prior to his role at Boingo, Pan was senior strategist for MCI’s International Strategic Ventures & Alliances organization, tasked with expanding the company’s international partnerships and alliance strategy. Prior to the MCI role, Pan was Beijing based with China Networks International Co. Ltd., where he built and managed sales channels for both US and Asian markets. Additionally, Allen has held a variety of management positions with telecommunications companies such as Exodus Communications Inc., GTE Internetworking and PSINet.
Allen will be based primarily in Shanghai, identifying key growth opportunities. He will identify venue WiFi marketing and analytics opportunities as well as working with carriers to deliver a data offload and estate management solution, using Purple WiFi’s cloud technology platform. Allen is well placed to work within the Asian business community as he is a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese and English and also speaks conversational Taiwanese and Cantonese.
Commenting on the appointment of Allen, Purple WiFi’s CEO, Gavin Wheeldon, said: “The wealth of technical and sales experience, combined with the knowledge of both the Asian business community and WiFi industry that Allen brings to the role means we will be exceptionally well placed to expand in the region. There are huge opportunities within this part of the world to increase our footprint and build strong relationships with both carriers and WiFi manufacturers, in addition to providing a secure guest WiFi service to venues of all sizes and Allen is in such a strong position to be able to achieve this for us.”
Allen Pan adds: “With the ubiquity of WiFi and explosive adoption of social media in the APAC region, Purple WiFi’s vision and approach is well positioned to become a disruptive force in this space. This role is the perfect fit for me. I am thrilled to have the opportunity leading the efforts in APAC for such an entrepreneurial and spirited company.”