GoFibre announces new CEO

Scottish independent broadband provider GoFibre has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer.

Neil Conaghan joins the GoFibre team as CEO on November 15th, 2022 following eleven successful years with XLN Business Services, latterly as CEO and previously as CFO.

Neil has a strong background in telecommunications, corporate finance, and private equity, as well as a proven track record in building high performing teams and successful businesses, making him the ideal candidate to lead GoFibre through the next phase of growth as GoFibre continues to deliver rural fibre networks across Scotland and Northern England.

Neil joins GoFibre following the business having been successfully awarded two multi-million-pound Project Gigabit contracts which will see the Scottish independent broadband provider supply gigabit-capable connection to more than 7,000 homes and premises in North Northumberland and Teesdale, adding to their presence in communities across East Lothian, Fife and the Scottish Borders.

As CEO at XLN, Neil led the business through the successful sale in March 2022 to Daisy Communications for £210m, generating significant returns for shareholders. Previously, Neil was Chief Financial Officer at XLN and has also worked at blue chip companies KPMG, HSBC, and Vodafone throughout his career.

Neil Conaghan, incoming CEO said: “I’m looking forward to joining and leading the GoFibre team as we deliver world-class connectivity to communities across Scotland and Northern England.

“The business is well placed to continue on recent Project Gigabit successes with a clear vision and the capability to deliver. On a personal note, I’m passionate about the opportunities that delivering broadband to under-served communities brings, opening opportunities for economic growth, education and employment”.

Chris Jagusz, Chair, GoFibre said: “We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Neil and we’re excited to have such an experienced and successful leader join the GoFibre team. With his background in leading successful telecoms businesses, Neil is an incredible asset for GoFibre and his leadership will be a huge competitive advantage for the business.”

Following a £164 million investment earlier this year from Gresham House’s sustainable infrastructure strategy, BSIF, GoFibre is accelerating its rollout of full fibre broadband throughout Scotland and the north of England.