CEO of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK Project Bids Farewell

The CEO of the Government’s state aid fuelled Broadband Delivery UK programme, which is working to roll-out “superfast broadband” (24Mbps+) networks to 97% of premises by 2020, Christopher Townsend, has decided to leave in order to take up a position as Commercial Director for Chelsea FC.

Back in 2014 the then coalition Government of Lib Dems and Conservatives decided to address some of the perceived weaknesses of their BDUK project by re-organising around a more commercial focus. As part of that they appointed Christopher Townsend, former Commercial Director of the London 2012 Olympics Organising Committee, to lead the project (see here and here).

It’s difficult to know how much of a difference Chris himself made to BDUK because such details are rarely shared with the outside world and MPs are usually the ones who take credit for any positive changes. Never the less BDUK has certainly become more accepting of alternative network providers over the past 3 years, as opposed to being entirely dominated by BT (Openreach) contracts like it was during Phase One (i.e. the 90% coverage goal).

Chris Townsend said:

“I have enjoyed my three years as CEO of BDUK and it has been an honour and privilege to lead a high-performing team which has achieved outstanding results. I am proud to have been a DCMS Board Director and part of the executive leadership team which has secured an outstanding rise in staff engagement over the last 3 years.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Secretary of State and her Ministerial team for the support given in order to achieve the success of BDUK to date. We are on track to achieve the 95% target by December 2017.”

Karen Bradley MP, Culture Secretary said:

“Chris brought a wealth of experience with him to the DCMS when he joined three years ago, and has overseen a remarkable transformation of the UK’s digital landscape. More than nine out of ten homes and businesses now have access to superfast broadband and we are on track to reach 95 per cent by the end of this year.

I wish Chris all the best for this exciting career move, and thank him for the tremendous contribution he has made to the work of the department.”

We’ve been informed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that Chris will continue in his role as CEO of BDUK until the end of April 2017 and will then begin his new role in May 2017. At present no replacement has been lined up to take over from Chris, although the recruitment process will start shortly.