Quickline has confirmed that CEO Sean Royce is to retire after nearly five years at the helm, marking the end of a period of major growth for the rural broadband provider.

Royce, who has led the company since its acquisition by Northleaf Capital Partners in 2021, will be replaced by Mark Bowden, who joined the business earlier this year as CFO, later becoming chief transformation officer.

He brings extensive experience in finance and leadership from senior roles at Vodafone, O2, and as CFO for giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Checkatrade.

The Hull-based company has also announced the promotion of Martin Cook to CFO, who joined nearly four years ago and was previously director of strategic finance.