Jim McKay, the founder and managing director Two Way TV Australia, is to step back from managing the business, following the appointment of a new chief operating officer.

Michael Ebeid was the director of commercial operations for the consumer and multimedia division of Austrial telecommunications company Optus, where he was involved in their interactive TV trial. He will lead the expansion of Two Way TV Australia into Asia.

The company has been talking to a number of operators in Hong Kong, including PCCW, Star TV, and I-cable, which all compete directly in the region.

“Michael will be a great addition to our team and we look forward to him expanding his role in the company,” said Jim McKay.

Two Way TV Australia listed on the Australian stock exchange at the end of 2004 and has an exclusive licensing agreement with Two Way Media in the UK. The company also has a licensing agreement with Zone4Play to distribute their games in the Asia Pacific markets.

www.twowaytv.com.au