O3B Networks, the Google-backed group seeking to provide satellite-based internet access to Africa, has recruited a former Cable & Wireless executive to take over from Greg Wyler, its founder, as chief executive.

Mr Wyler, who pulled in initial funding from Google, HSBC and John Malone’s Liberty Global cable group, will step back to a board role with the arrival of Greg Clarke, who ran Cable & Wireless Communications from 1997 until its sale to NTL in 2000.