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.
Royce will remain with the company as strategic board advisor, providing ongoing support and guidance as Quickline continues to expand its full fibre network and rural broadband reach.
“It has been an honour to lead Quickline and see the business evolve into one of the UK’s most ambitious rural broadband providers,” he said.
“We remain on track with our full fibre rollout, having secured four large BDUK Project Gigabit contracts, and are one of the few ISPs that are fully funded, having completed a major debt financing deal in 2024.
“We’ve built strong foundations and a team passionate about connecting rural communities. With Mark and Martin stepping into their new roles, Quickline is in excellent hands for the next stage of its journey.”
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Incoming CEO Bowden added: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of CEO at such an exciting time for Quickline.
“Under Sean’s leadership, the business has achieved incredible momentum and I’m looking forward to working with Martin and the wider team to build on that success, connecting even more rural homes and businesses and delivering a first-class customer experience.”
Quickline’s board chair, Paul Howard, said: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside Sean, whose leadership has been instrumental in transforming Quickline into the ambitious, customer-focused business it is today.
“I’m delighted that he will remain involved in an advisory capacity, and that we will continue to benefit from his experience and knowledge of both Quickline and the wider sector.
“I also look forward to working closely with Mark as he leads the company into its next phase of growth and drives the business forward.
“His experience of the sector and customer-obsessed organisations will be invaluable as Quickline continues to scale and bring the benefits of exceptional broadband to increasing numbers of households and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.”