The UK’s largest rural full fibre specialist Gigaclear announces the appointment of Stephanie Liston, Chair of the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, and Catherine Colloms, former Openreach executive, to its board.
This appointment of two telecoms industry big hitters is testament to the company’s recent strong performance, with over 150,000 customers connected to its network, covering over 600,000 rural homes and businesses.
Gigaclear is the UK’s largest exclusively rural FTTP network operator and was recently named Best Rural Provider at the UK Fibre Awards. These new board additions will add expertise to help support the business as it delivers on its commitment to equip more customers with ultrafast full fibre broadband and bridge the digital divide.
Stephanie Liston joins Gigaclear having chaired the Digital Connectivity Forum since March 2021 with a background as a senior lawyer with international experience in telecoms law and regulation.
Commenting on her new role, Stephanie said: “I am looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way to the future development and direction of Gigaclear. I know I am joining the Board at an exciting and busy time. I am confident we can fulfil the company’s mission and improve digital inclusion in rural parts of the UK.”
Catherine Colloms was Managing Director of Corporate Affairs & Brand at Openreach, where she helped lead the biggest transformation of the UK’s digital network in a century. Catherine currently holds a Non-Executive Director role on the Industrial Development Advisory Board within the Department for Business and Trade.
Catherine said: “I’m passionate about improving connectivity in harder-to-reach parts of the UK. I’m excited to join Gigaclear, which has worked tirelessly to get full fibre into otherwise left-behind rural areas under its mission to narrow the digital divide in Britain.”
Andy Matthews, Chairman of Gigaclear, said: “I am delighted to be sharing the news that Stephanie and Catherine are joining the Board as the company continues to expand its customer base. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome them to Gigaclear and I look forward to working closely with them.”
Nathan Rundle, Gigaclear Chief Executive Officer, added: “I am excited about these new directors who undoubtedly bring vast and varied experience to Gigaclear. We have already achieved significant growth and Stephanie and Catherine will help us with our mission to remain the UK’s leading rural altnet.”
Stephanie and Catherine will assume their roles as Non-executive Directors at Gigaclear from 1st August 2025.
