Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
I’ve spent over 30 years working in telecom and IT, mostly around large scale change in complex organisations. Over that time, one thing has become very clear to me: Technology is rarely the hard part… How organisations think, prioritise and execute is. I’ve worked across cloud, data, automation and, more recently, AI; the technology changes, but the underlying challenge doesn’t; turning ambition into something that actually works at scale, in environments that are often messy, regulated and politically complex. That’s where I tend to focus. I’m particularly interested in how telecom operators are now starting to rethink their operating models. The combination of increasing network complexity, margin pressure and advances in AI is forcing a shift in how these businesses are run. It’s not just about new technology. It’s about making better decisions, simplifying what doesn’t need to exist, and focusing effort where it actually makes a difference. Alongside the day job, I spend a lot of time coaching and mentoring. Not in a formal, “tick-box” sense, but in helping people think clearly, build confidence and develop better judgement in situations where there isn’t an obvious answer. I’ve found most capable people don’t need more advice; they need space, challenge and perspective. That applies whether you’re leading a transformation programme or figuring out your next career move. My style is straightforward and pragmatic. I’m not particularly interested in hype, jargon or over engineered solutions. I care more about clarity, consistency and doing things properly over time. If you’re working in telecom, navigating change, or just trying to make better decisions in a complex environment, I’m always open to a conversation.
I work with Vodafone Group on one of the biggest challenges facing the telecom industry: How to operate increasingly complex networks at a radically lower cost. The traditional telecom operating model is under pressure. Network complexity is rising, customer expectations continue to increase, and margins remain tight. Most operators are now looking at how AI, automation and data can fundamentally reshape how they run their operations. My focus is on helping turn that ambition into something practical and commercially meaningful. That means working with Vodafone to apply AI and automation across areas such as network operations, IT operations and customer platforms, with a clear emphasis on: • reducing operational cost • improving productivity at scale • increasing resilience across critical services • simplifying complex technology estates Rather than treating AI, cloud, data or automation as separate initiatives, I focus on how these capabilities come together to support a more autonomous, efficient operating model. A large part of my role involves working with senior technology and business leaders to: • connect technology investment to measurable financial outcomes • prioritise initiatives that can scale across multiple markets • balance innovation with risk, governance and regulatory requirements • structure programmes that work in large, complex organisations In practice, my work is about helping telecom operators move beyond pilots and towards AI driven operations that deliver real economic impact.
I coach people at different stages of their careers, from early career professionals through to senior leaders. Most of the people I work with are capable and ambitious, but feel stuck, uncertain about next steps, or unclear on how to progress as roles, expectations and technology keep shifting. My role is to help them think clearly about their goals, build the skills and confidence that matter, and make better decisions about their careers. My coaching is practical and grounded in real experience. Having spent more than three decades working across IT, telecoms, sales and business leadership roles, I understand the realities of building a career in this industry; the trade offs, the pressure to perform, and the importance of commercial awareness alongside technical depth. In practice, I help people strengthen areas such as: • commercial and financial understanding • customer and stakeholder engagement • career planning and progression • leadership capability and confidence • communication and executive presence • navigating change and the increasing use of AI The industry moves quickly, and it’s easy to be busy without making real progress. My coaching is direct, honest and focused on helping people cut through the noise, build the right capabilities, and perform consistently well over time.
Leading all IBM Technology into VMO2 and its parent companies in UK&I. Artificial Intelligence Hybrid cloud Cybersecurity Automation Compute Sustainability
Led go to market and global engagement for Ericsson's security software portfolio into Vodafone Procurement Company, Vodafone Global Technology and local Op Co's. Managed and coached global Sales and Product Development teams in a matrix environment.
Led the Vodafone Global Customer Unit NFVi business; positioned and sold Ericsson's NFVi solution to Vodafone Procurement Company, Vodafone Group Technology and Local Op Co's. Led and built a new area of technology into Vodafone to build hyper scale data centre solutions. Matrix managed global Product Development teams to build Ericsson’s telco cloud strategy.
Led, managed and coached a team of 10 direct reports across EMEA region including sales and pre-sales, held P&L responsibility, achieved annual order targets > $65M.
Led, managed and developed a team of 12 direct reports across EMEA. Created and led ‘Digital Telco’ strategy and sales for the Applications & Cloud business unit; held P&L responsibility. Achieve annual order targets > $70m
Led Virgin Media account in the UK to win new business and grow revenue; reduce customer cost through consolidation of legacy NTL & Telewest organisations. Matrix managed global teams and external partners.
Based in Australia, reporting to Country General Manager, newly created role to build the contact center solutions practice; acquire new customers and generate new business. Business strategy, business planning building new capability working within a matrix environment.