The parent company of Keele-based Specialist full fibre company LilaConnect has appointed a new CEO.
Nathan Vautier has taken over the role at fibre network provider Freedom Fibre from founder Neil McArthur, who will transition into a strategic role while continuing to serve on the company’s board.
Nathan has held various senior leadership roles in the telecoms sector and is a previous CEO of Box Broadband.
He said: “I am honoured to be joining Freedom Fibre at such an important stage of its journey.
“It is an important time in the industry and for the continued development of this critical UK infrastructure and Neil’s vision has laid a strong foundation.
“I look forward to working with the team to drive continued growth, build on the achievements so far, and enhance the value we deliver to our customers.”
Industry veteran Neil has been instrumental in securing the long-term wholesale contracts with national ISP TalkTalk, and growing Freedom Fibre to where it is today.
He said: “After nearly 30 years in the telecoms sector it’s time I stepped down from the front line. I want to welcome Nathan Vautier to Freedom Fibre and wish him every success driving the company forward.
“I have had a splendid career at a really interesting time in the industry’s history, and the opportunity to set up Freedom Fibre was too exciting to resist. Being involved at the start of deregulation and broadband, and now being able to step down as fibre reaches well over 50 per cent of the UK has been my good fortune.
“It’s time to let someone else take the reins. I look forward to continuing working in a reduced capacity with the great team at Freedom Fibre as the company enters its next phase of growth.”
Nathan’s leadership will focus on growing the business as it embarks on its next phase of expansion, including accelerating commercialisation of Freedom Fibre’s network by leveraging the company’s existing wholesale partnership with TalkTalk and driving direct sales through its own ISP, LilaConnect.
