ISPA is pleased to announce Steve Leighton, CEO of rural fibre broadband provider Voneus, has been appointed the new Chair of ISPA Council, taking over the reins from long-serving council Chair, Andrew Glover.
Steve has been CEO of Voneus for more than a decade and as a serial entrepreneur he has set up and been part of the management team of other ISPs and tech businesses over the past twenty years. Prior to the private sector, he worked in government, including a stint as the Head of Communications Sponsorship at the (formerly named) Department of Trade and Industry, giving him an insight into the regulatory challenges facing the UK’s telecoms sector. Steve is passionate about the industry and its ability to transform the lives of those who benefit from the infrastructure and the services delivered across it. Steve’s energy, enthusiasm and all-around experience make him a natural successor to the former Chair of ISPA, Andrew Glover.
ISPA’s former chair, Andrew Glover, hands over after more than five years as Chair, a period that covered some very significant events. From an increased reliance on broadband, two general elections - one of which put broadband front and centre - to dealing with the challenges of the COVID pandemic and a significant acceleration of full fibre rollout, through to legislation to remove barriers to rollout broadband, new cyber security requirements and a new regulatory settlement from Ofcom and much more besides. Most recently, Andrew represented ISPA during a roundtable at Downing Street with Secretary of State Nadine Dorries MP on the cost-of-living crisis, speaking on behalf of industry to highlight the ongoing work ISPA members are doing to support individuals who are struggling during this period.
ISPA would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and leadership to the industry over the past five years. During this period ISPA has continued to be the voice of the UK internet sector as membership has grown by a quarter and the ISPA team doubled in size.
Commenting on his appointment as chair, Steve said:
“It’s an absolute privilege to be appointed Chair of ISPA at a key moment for the sector. ISPA members are transforming the UK’s connectivity, with fibre networks being deployed at speed as customers rely on their broadband for so many aspects of their day-to-day lives. ISPA will continue to support members to set the agenda, engage with policymakers, bring industry together for events and make a difference to members. We will continue to push for the best possible conditions for our sector to continue the roll-out of gigabit services across the UK. I can’t wait to get started!”
Former Chair Andrew Glover added:
“It has been a privilege to have been chair for the last 5 years and represent such a vibrant, competitive, and innovative industry. With the increasing demands on the broadband sector, ISPA’s role is more important than ever. I am delighted to pass the organization on in good health, with an excellent council and support team. I will continue to serve and support Steve.” Andrew Glover, CEO, Air Broadband & Former ISPA Chair
Notes to editor
Steve was appointed Chair of ISPA Council following a vote by ISPA Council, the management committee elected from the membership.
About ISPA
ISPA is the trade association for providers of internet services in the UK. We represent more than 160 members, 90% of which are SMEs, as well as large multinational companies. Our members provide internet access, hosting and a wide range of other services to consumers and businesses and we represent a wide eco-system of providers including those that build their own networks and those that resell services via fixed and wireless networks.