Arqiva appoints John Cresswell as new CEO

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, has appointed John Cresswell as Chief Executive Officer in a move intended to ensure that Arqiva maximises growth opportunities in the fast developing world of digital communications.

Cresswell, the former Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO of ITV, brings significant industry experience to Arqiva. He will take up his new role on 17 January at the start of an important period for the company. Arqiva owns much of the infrastructure behind broadcast services and wireless communications in the UK and operates an international satellite broadcast and communications business.

The company is halfway through the successful delivery of the £700 million investment, five-year TV Digital Switch Over project and is bidding, in the SmartReach partnership with BT and Detica, to provide communications support for the UK government’s national Smart Metering initiative.

Cresswell will assume responsibility for an organisation with turnover approaching £850 million, with over 2000 employees based at around 80 locations in the UK, Europe and the USA, as well as a range of critical national infrastructure projects. He replaces Tom Bennie who is stepping down after 32 years with the organisation.

Peter Shore, Chairman of Arqiva’s Board of Directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to Arqiva at this crucial point in the development of the business. The ongoing development of digital communications is transforming the media, communications and utilities industries and generating opportunities for critical communications infrastructure and services both in the UK and internationally.

The growth potential in our markets is enormous and the time is right for Arqiva to bring in new executive leadership to drive the company forward. John’s broad industry experience, knowledge and leadership skills mean he is ideally placed to help us shape and realise these opportunities today and in the future.”

John Cresswell said: “I am really excited by the prospect of leading the transformation of such a dynamic business at such an exciting time in the development of the markets in which we operate. As a previous customer of Arqiva I know that the company is admired and respected for its innovation, engineering and operational excellence, and the talent and dedication of its people. Arqiva’s assets are crucial in underpinning important developments in broadcasting and wireless communications and I will ensure we deliver on these developments for our customers.”

Tom Bennie, current CEO of Arqiva, is leaving the company after 32 years of service. Peter Shore said: “The Board of Directors joins me in thanking Tom for his immense contribution to the organisation over more than three decades. He has played a significant role in creating a cohesive, high-performing company from multiple mergers and acquisitions and we wish him every success in the future.”
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