Bath-based full fibre broadband provider Truespeed has taken on a vastly experienced chief information officer to play a pivotal role in its continued growth.
Robert Purdy, pictured, has a background spanning 38 years in technology and telecommunications joins from BT, where he was director of consumer IT responsible for delivering the BT, EE and Plusnet brands across broadband, mobile and television services.
Prior to that he worked internationally for 20 years, leading IT and digital teams for major telecom brands including Orange, O2 and EE.
His extensive experience also includes being responsible for managing the technical integration of Orange and T-Mobile in the UK.
In his new role at Truespeed he will help with its rapid scale-up as it continues to accelerate the rollout of its full-fibre network across the South West.
The firm launched in Bath in 2014 as a community interest company with a mission to provide ultrafast, ultra-reliable broadband across the region.
It has since grown rapidly, expanding its footprint by 25,000 properties across the South West last year – taking the total to 60,000 – connecting 13,000 customers and hiring more than 80 new employees.
Last month it said it aimed to more than double the size of its network this year, targeting more than 120,000 properties while also doubling the number of connected customers.
Truespeed said with his experience in modernising legacy technology and a proven track record in designing and developing successful customer-facing products and services, Robert would spearhead the transformation of internal systems and enhance its customer offering.
In addition to his industry experience, Robert is passionate about developing and equipping teams with the skills they need to revolutionise technology so it can be used as a driving force behind company-wide growth.
He said: “What drew me to Truespeed is how successfully it has grown and how well it’s situated in its current scale-up phase.
“With a strong leadership team, significant investor backing and ambitious growth plans, I’m excited to join a company that’s genuinely transforming the South West with the rollout of its ultrafast network.”
Truespeed CEO James Lowther added: “Robert’s strategic mindset and vast technological experience will be instrumental to Truespeed as we continue scaling up across the business.
"A welcome addition to the team, Robert will further strengthen our already high-calibre leadership team and I look forward to working closely with him as we expand our network and continue building a better kind of broadband business.”
Truespeed co-founder Dr Josef Karthauser will continue as CTO, putting a greater focus on the technology strategy to ensure the firm remains ahead of the competition with its network and hardware technology.
The firm received £100m from Aviva Investors last year to widen its reach. The investment, the largest funding since Truespeed’s launch, was the second from the global asset management arm of UK-based insurance giant Aviva, following on from £75m in 2017.
Bath areas that benefited from Truespeed’s network investment last year included Peasedown St John, Midsomer Norton, Keynsham, Saltford and Radstock – where it spent £8m – and Bathwick, Widcombe and Combe Down – where £4m was spent.
