Rural focused UK broadband network B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North), which is a community benefit ISP that has rolled out their 10Gbps FTTP network to 25,000 premises across England (inc. 13,000+ customers), has announced that existing CEO Michael Lee is to step down on 1st September 2024 and be replaced by Tom Rigg.
According to the announcement, Michael has taken the decision to step down after over three years in the post because he will be moving outside the UK with his family as his wife starts a new experience working abroad. But despite this Michael will continue to support B4RN in his new role as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), and he will also maintain his position on the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has thus decided to appoint Tom Rigg as their new CEO. Tom is a familiar name because he has been involved with B4RN since it was first founded in 2012, and as COO he was already working closely alongside Michael since his appointment.
The move comes at an interesting time for B4RN, which only recently began the next phase of their network expansion – taking them further into Northumberland and County Durham (here).
Chris Carr, Chair of the Board, said:
“I speak for all the directors of B4RN in thanking Michael for everything he has achieved during his period as the Chief Executive of B4RN. He has been an outstanding CEO who has occupied the role with great distinction. Although his change of family circumstances means that Michael has decided to step down as CEO, the Board is delighted that he will continue his relationship with B4RN as its Chief Strategy Officer.
The Board is extraordinarily fortunate in having been able to appoint Tom Rigg as Michael’s successor as CEO. Tom has been involved with B4RN from its very earliest days. He has been its Chief Operating Officer since 2018 and he is well-known in the industry for the innovatory approach which he has spearheaded in that capacity. No-one knows more about the technical and engineering foundations which underpin the operations of the company, and the Board is very much looking forward to working with Tom as he continues with the implementation of B4RN’s plans for the future.”
The press release also included a couple of similar quotes from Michael and Tom, but they both follow a similar form to Chris’s statement above. As such we’ll just say congrats to Tom and best wished to Michael on his future, even though he’s not really leaving B4RN completely.