UK Broadband and Phone Provider KCOM Promotes Richard Schafer to CEO

Network operator KCOM, which has deployed their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network across a big chunk of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England, has today announced that they’ve promoted Richard Schäfer to the position of permanent Chief Executive Office (CEO) to replace Tim Shaw, who stepped down last year (here).

Richard originally joined KCOM in February 2025 as Chief Finance Officer (CFO), before stepping up as interim CEO six months ago after Tim left. Clearly KCOM’s board were happy enough with his performance to retain him in the role on a permanent basis.

Richard has more than 25 years of history working in senior leadership roles within the domestic UK and international telecommunication sector, including roles at Three UK, Vodafone UK, Onecom, Lebara and most recently the Lyca Group where he was Group CEO.

KCOM Chairman, Richard Greenleaf, said:

“We’re grateful for Richard stepping into the CEO position last year. His commercial background, financial acumen, deep understanding of telecoms and his passion for delivering KCOM success make him the right person to take the company forward.”