CityFibre ushers in New Leadership as it Solidifies Position as the UK’s Full Fibre challenger
The UK’s digital infrastructure landscape is undergoing a significant shift as CityFibre, a leading challenger to established giants like Openreach and Virgin Media O2, announces a change in leadership. After 15 years of visionary guidance, Greg Mesch is stepping down as CEO, transitioning to the role of Vice-Chairman. Taking the helm is Simon Holden, previously the company’s Group Chief Operating Officer, marking a pivotal moment for the rapidly expanding fibre network provider.
This isn’t simply a change in personnel; it’s a strategic move signaling CityFibre’s maturity and readiness to accelerate its ambitious growth plans. Let’s delve into what this means for you, your buisness, and the future of broadband in the UK.
From Challenger to Competitor: CityFibre’s Remarkable Journey
CityFibre has rapidly evolved from a disruptive startup to a formidable force in the UK’s fibre rollout.Under Mesch’s leadership, the company has:
Built a substantial network: Reaching over 4.5 million premises and serving nearly 700,000 customers, alongside thousands of businesses and public sector organizations.
Secured significant investment: Attracting over £8 billion in funding,demonstrating investor confidence in its long-term potential.
Become a key partner in national initiatives: Playing a crucial role in the UK government’s Project Gigabit, aimed at accelerating full fibre deployment across the country.
this success hasn’t gone unnoticed. CityFibre is now widely recognized for its innovative products, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service – qualities that are actively reshaping the broadband market.
Why This Leadership Change Matters to You
The transition to Simon Holden as CEO is a carefully planned move designed to build on this momentum. Holden isn’t new to the CityFibre story. He joined in 2019 as Group COO and has been instrumental in:
Shaping the company’s strategic direction.
Overseeing commercial operations.
Driving crucial financing and network rollout initiatives.
His extensive background in telecoms and infrastructure – including a successful tenure at Goldman Sachs – brings a wealth of experience to the role. Essentially, your looking at a continuation of the successful strategy, now guided by a leader deeply embedded within the company’s fabric.
What to Expect from CityFibre Under New Leadership
Holden’s vision for CityFibre is clear: to scale its reach, deepen customer relationships, and maintain its position as the UK’s best network. Here’s what you can anticipate:
Continued Network Expansion: Expect an accelerated rollout of full fibre to more homes and businesses across the UK.
Enhanced Wholesale Offerings: CityFibre’s focus on providing a high-performance wholesale choice will continue, fostering competition and innovation among internet service providers. This means more choice and perhaps better deals for you.
Focus on Future Technologies: Holden emphasizes CityFibre’s role in enabling technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reach every household,unlocking new possibilities for individuals and businesses.
Unwavering Commitment to quality: Maintaining the UK’s best network remains a top priority, ensuring reliable and high-speed connectivity.
“I’m honoured to step into the role of CEO and to build on the incredible progress the business has made,” Holden stated. “We have a winning strategy and I’m excited to lead the team on this next phase of our journey.”
Mesch’s Legacy and Future Role
While stepping down as CEO, Greg Mesch’s influence will remain strong as Vice-Chairman. He reflects on his 15 years leading CityFibre with immense pride, stating the company has “helped change the country for better, for ever.” His continued involvement ensures a smooth transition and provides valuable guidance as CityFibre navigates its next phase of growth.
The Bigger Picture: A More Competitive Broadband Market
CityFibre’s success is a win for consumers and businesses alike. By challenging the dominance of traditional players, it’s driving down prices, improving service quality, and accelerating the adoption of full fibre technology.
As Holden aptly puts it, CityFibre is “here to create opportunity – enabling technologies like AI to reach every household,
