Virgin Mobile has hired former 3 marketing manager Graeme Oxby as its new managing director.

Oxby left the mobile phone operator in 2006 having worked his way up to marketing manager over a five year period.

His appointment follows the departure of Virgin Mobile's original co-founders MD Alan Gow and deputy MD and commercial director Joe Steel.

Their joint decision to step down in June this year followed the £962m buyout of Virgin Mobile by Virgin Media a year ago.

"Graeme has been working in the mobile industry since its infancy and has helped pioneer the bringing together of mobile communications and entertainment, " said Neil Berkett, Virgin Media's chief operating officer.

"His commercial acumen and pedigree marketing credentials will ensure Virgin Mobile retains a dynamic and compelling presence both in the mobile market and as part of Virgin Media's unique quad-play proposition."