nexfibre, the next generation fibre network operator, has today announced the appointment of Rajiv Datta as its Chief Executive Officer.

Datta, who starts his role today, has over 25 years’ experience in the digital infrastructure and fixed telecoms sectors. He has vast experience building and managing large fibre-based networks and services across the US, Europe and Asia, including at Colt Technologies and AboveNet Communications (now Zayo).

Datta’s appointment at nexfibre marks an important step as the business pursues its mission to deliver its network to 5 million premises by 2026, using the latest XGS-PON architecture capable of symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Backed by Infravia Capital Partners, Telefónica and Liberty Global, nexfibre is well-capitalised and well-positioned to become a long-term, sustainable national scale platform in partnership with Virgin Media O2.

Datta replaces Bernardo Quinn, who was appointed as interim CEO of nexfibre at the start of this year. Quinn will remain as an advisor to the board for the remainder of the year.

Rajiv Datta, CEO of nexfibre, said:

“With a fully-financed plan to invest £4.5 billion and a set of world-class shareholders and partners, nexfibre is incredibly well-positioned to be impactful at a pivotal time in the UK broadband market. I look forward to working with the team, our shareholders and our partners to execute on our strategy of delivering high-quality broadband capability that provides long-term, sustainable competition, and has a lasting impact on communities across the UK.”

Andrea Salvato, Chairman of nexfibre, said:

“The Board and I are delighted that Rajiv is joining the nexfibre team, and we look forward to working with him and our partners at Virgin Media O2 to create a national scale challenger, boosting wholesale competition, driving consumer choice and providing significant value to the UK economy. We would like to thank Bernardo Quinn for his commitment and contribution. He has been instrumental in creating the nexfibre organisation, and setting the impressive pace of the programme to date.”