Wessex Internet has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Gavin Davies as the company’s first Chief Operations Officer (COO).
The Dorset-based rural broadband specialist has ambitious plans for the next five years and beyond, with recruitment to meet this growth also taking place across sales and customer support, network planning and operations, civil engineering, and garden works.
Gavin brings significant leadership experience from operational roles in other technology and utility companies, including, most recently, Avonline. In particular, he has helped lead organisations through times of significant growth, and this expertise was pivotal to his appointment.
Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Gavin into the business at such an important time in Wessex Internet’s growth story. We remain passionate about providing full fibre to underserved rural communities across the south west and delivering our recently awarded contracts is the next phase of achieving that mission. Gavin’s extensive experience will help us scale up for those contracts, focussing on expanding our unique capabilities and improving our delivery efficiency. I know everyone in our operations teams is looking forward to working with him.”
New Chief Operations Officer Gavin Davies said:
“I have helped to lead telecoms and utility companies through periods of rapid growth and efficiency improvement, and look forward to bringing this experience to Wessex Internet. In the sector, Wessex Internet is known to be unique in its approach to building its fibre network, both in engineering and technical terms, and in how it engages with the communities it serves.
“On a personal level, I am already relishing working in the glorious countryside after more urban-based recent roles, and I have been fascinated by the innovative methods developed by Wessex Internet to provide broadband in challenging areas that would otherwise not be connected by other providers.
“I believe that businesses and individuals should not face a digital divide based on where they are located and am excited to be part of a company that is removing these barriers. Relatedly, I take seriously the role we play in providing high-quality employment across multiple disciplines in a predominantly rural area.”
Away from work, Gavin is a keen traveller, massive Formula 1 fan, and performance car enthusiast.