The outgoing CEO of broadband giant TalkTalk has received a damehood in the New Year’s honours list for services to telecommunications.
Tristia Harrison, chief executive of the Salford Quays headquartered telecommunications company, said she was ‘humbled’ to have been nominated for the honour.
She said: “I have spent over 20 years in telecoms and as a team at TalkTalk we have been proud to champion affordable connectivity, invest in Greater Manchester and encourage more women into telecoms and technology.
“I have also had the great privilege to work with some extraordinary charities including Ambitious About Autism, Comic Relief, and Crisis, where today I chair the board of trustees.
“I would like to thank everyone at TalkTalk, in UK telecoms and across the various charities I’ve worked with for this prestigious recognition.”
Sir Charles Dunstone, chairman of TalkTalk Group, added: “Tristia has been central to UK telecoms over the last 20 years. She and the team have worked tirelessly to bring affordable connectivity to the UK and to challenge the status quo on behalf of customers.
“In addition, recognition of Tristia’s work to invest in Greater Manchester and centralise TalkTalk’s activities there alongside encouraging more women into technology make this award extremely well deserved.”
Katie Gallagher, managing director of Manchester Digital, founder of the NW Cyber Resilience Centre and chair of UK Tech Cluster Group, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s honours list.
Manchester Digital is the city’s leading trade body, supporting the tech and digital sector with a unified voice since 2001.
The not-for-profit organisation is independently funded through membership and represents the entire digital and tech ecosystem across Greater Manchester, with a wide range of business types, models, sizes and capabilities making up our community.
Gallagher said: “I was incredibly surprised to hear I was receiving an OBE. I’m very proud to work with the amazing teams at Manchester Digital and the NWCRC, as well as our innovative tech community in the North West, which is only going from strength to strength.”
Other people recognised in the list included Joanna Swash, CEO of Wrexham-based outsourced communication provider Moneypenny, who was awarded the OBE for services to the economy.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s director of apprenticeships, Elizabeth Gorb, is a pioneer of degree apprenticeships and was awarded an MBE for services to education and skills.
Dr Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems, was awarded the CBE for services to International Trade and Skills Development, and Manchester City Council chief executive Joanne Roney, was made a CBE for services to local government.
Eamonn Boylan, outgoing chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has been given an OBE for services to local government.