John Lyons

Technology Director & CTO at Zen Internet

Greater Cheshire West and Chester Area

About

Senior leader, executive and technology expert, with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams, driving change and building high-growth, profitable organisations.

Experience

  • Zen Internet (17 yrs 6 mos)
    • Technology Director & CTO
      Jul 2020 - Present · 6 yrs

      Member of the Executive Committee, with accountability for Technology across Zen. The Technology department comprises 170 people in 29 teams across Network & Infrastructure, Systems Development, PMO, Service Development and Information Security.

    • General Manager, Cloud & Hosting
      May 2017 - Jun 2020 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      General manager, with P&L responsibility for the Cloud & Hosting BU within Zen's Business Division. Our BU provides solutions to mid-market customers across a suite of Cloud & Hosting services, built exclusively on Public Cloud platforms - Amazon Web Services, Azure and Zen Cloud. Our solutions are designed, built and managed by highly qualified teams of professional and managed services architects and engineers. The Cloud & Hosting business unit revenue run-rate is in excess of £6M+ and is continuing to grow at 30% - 40% YoY. As part of my role, I also act as the chairperson for Zen's "Technology Advisory Group" providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Zen Board, on important technology opportunities and challenges.

    • Head of Cloud & Technical Services
      Jun 2013 - Apr 2017 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Founded and launched a new Cloud business unit in Zen, focused on delivering solutions on Public Cloud platforms (Amazon Web Services & vmware vCloud). Overall responsibility for strategy, P&L and operational delivery. In addition, performed a dual role as a Senior Manager within Zen's "Corporate & Mid-Market" division. Responsible for leading and managing the Technical Services department, delivering bespoke Voice, Security, Network and Cloud solutions for > 1,000 clients. The Technical Services department comprised 25 staff across 4 functions - Service Development, Solutions Architecture, Solutions Engineering and Project Management.

  • Programme Committee Member at UK Network Operators Forum / UKNOF (UKIF Ltd)
    Jan 2007 - Feb 2013 · 6 yrs 2 mos

    Member of the programme committee which solicit and approve speakers and presentations for UKNOF meetings.

  • ISP Design Engineer at THUS, a Cable&Wireless business
    Nov 2006 - Dec 2008 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Member of ISP Design team responsible for the design of the IP networks for AS2529, AS8546 & AS5587.

  • Senior Network Engineer at Zen Internet
    Jan 2006 - Nov 2006 · 11 mos

    Member of Core Network team responsible for the design and implementation of AS13037.

  • Principal Network Engineer at Magnet Networks
    Jan 2005 - Dec 2005 · 1 yr

    Member of Network Development team responsible for the design and implementation of AS34245. Also performed team leader role for network development during my last 3 months at Magnet.