SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 29, 2014 – Todd Marriott is stepping down after nearly six years of work as Executive Director of UTOPIA, the wholesale fiber optic network providing internet, phone and television services for 15 member cities throughout Utah.

 The announcement comes from UTOPIA Chairman Wayne Pyle, who added, “We appreciate the work that Todd has performed for UTOPIA.  His leadership through these past few years has added a great deal to the progress of the network.”

Marriott took over as Executive Director in 2008 as UTOPIA was struggling with financial and operational challenges.  Marriott is credited with quickly attracting additional partners, controlling costs and increasing subscribership, thus helping to stabilize finances for the partially built network.

As reported, UTOPIA is currently considering a new business model, exploring a public/private partnership with Macquarie Capital through a recently signed “pre-development agreement”. If successful, the new venture would mean Macquarie would finance and construct the remainder of the network, then contract to operate and maintain it through a concession agreement over the next 30 years.

In stepping down as Executive Director, Marriott remarked, “We have established a terrific service for our communities and I am proud that I have been a part of it.  I know UTOPIA will succeed and continue to grow and provide for its member communities.”