GUILDFORD, SURREY – VXFIBER is continuing to expand its operations in the UK with the appointment of Steven Drake as senior project manager for the Midlands and North of England.
Steven joins from T-Systems, where he held positions as a senior project manager, and programme and people manager, involved in business development strategy and diversity programmes. In his new role, Steven will focus on VXFIBER’s business and operational development, while working collaboratively with local councils on projects to deliver greater connectivity to the Midlands and the North of England. Steven will work closely with VXFIBER’s newly appointed regional account manager for the Midlands and North of England, Natalie Ward.
Steven has more than 30 years of experience within the telecommunications industry, holding several senior project management roles at companies including KTL Telecommunications, KCOM and Greenwoods Communications. During Steven’s tenure at KCOM he spent his first year implementing improved full-fibre infrastructure in the Hull and Wakefield region, delivering Next Generation Access (NGA) networks to achieve Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) targets of 5000+ year on year for three years. The project, which involved moving customers onto Hull’s ‘speed of light programme’, saw Hull City Council become the incumbent connectivity supplier in the region.
‘We believe that the UK’s local authorities along with new build developers are in an ideal position to deliver critical full-fibre connectivity, to people and businesses across the UK,’ said Richard Watts, sales and marketing director, VXFIBER. ‘As such, we are working closely with local councils and property developers on projects to help pull towns and cities across the UK into the future. We’re delighted to welcome an experienced telecoms industry professional who will support the delivery of our projects in the Midlands and North of England, allowing many to realise the benefits of connectivity as an enabler.’
Commenting on his appointment, Steven said: ‘VXFIBER is enabling local councils to take charge of their digital destinies through projects to rollout their own full-fibre networks. Through investment in connectivity, the UK’s towns and cities will not only see improvements to businesses, but also to public services such as the NHS and local schools. In recent years, the North of England lost a lot of its core industries, however connectivity has the potential to stimulate the region’s regeneration. I’m excited to be part of future-proofing the UK’s local communities through next generation networks for future technology.’