Future Telecoms Conference 2025

Matthew Evans

Director for Markets and COO, techUK

Matthew Evans leads techUK’s Market Programme teams and is a member of the senior leadership team.

The Market Programme teams help techUK members apply innovative technology solutions across a range of sectors, including the Public Sector, Financial Services and Cyber. 

Prior to his appointment in early 2019, Matt led techUK’s Smart Infrastructure and IoT work, as well as being CEO of the Broadband Stakeholder Group. During this time he led the telecoms industry’s approach to lowering the cost of network deployment, played a key role in coordinating it’s response to Brexit and was closely involved in the development of the Government’s Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review. He also assisted in the development of the UK’s first secure by design Code of Practice aimed at consumer IoT, oversaw the publication of a paper outlining the tech sector’s view of future mobility services and drove engagement around the use of digital twins.

Matt sits on the Steering Board of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce, Digital Framework Task Group,  andthe advisory board for the Prospering from the Energy Revolution industrial challenge fund.

Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked in Arqiva's public policy team, across the broadcast and telecoms markets. Before that he was a researcher for an MP at Westminster.

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Chi Onwurah MP

Chair of Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, UK Parliament

Chi Onwurah MP is a British politician representing Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West in the House of Commons. She was first elected in 2010 to represent Newcastle Central. She serves as the Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. 

Chi is a Charted Electrical Engineer and before entering Parliament spent over twenty years working on engineering projects around the world. She has previously served as Head of Technology at Ofcom.   

Born in Wallsend, Chi attended Kenton Comprehensive School in Newcastle, where she was elected the school’s ‘MP’ in mock elections aged 17.  

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Vikas Dhingra

Senior Director of Business Development, Qualcomm

Vikas Dhingra is a Senior Director of Business Development at Qualcomm, driving the adoption of technologies and products in Europe, particularly AI. He focuses on building relationships with key industry players, including telecom operators, device manufacturers, and application developers, to accelerate the market penetration of Qualcomm's advanced platforms, SoCs, and software solutions. Prior to joining Qualcomm, at Nokia Bell Labs, Vikas collaborated with leading telecom operators in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia in defining the business and technological roadmap for 5G deployments and network modernization. Vikas actively contributed to the standardization of HSPA and LTE within the 3GPP, resulting in multiple patents. He has been a proactive advocate for the market success of emerging technologies, such as 5G Advanced and 5G mmWave across multiple regions. 

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Ben Wreschner

Group Regulation Policy Director, Vodafone

Vodafone Group Regulation Policy Director.  Joined Vodafone in 2011 having previously worked at PwC and Ovum Consulting.  Expert in Telecoms/Digital Policy and Economic regulation.  Long-serving member of Vodafone’s Global External Affairs Leadership Team and Chair of the GSMA’s European Policy Group.  Currently leading the External Affairs and economic aspects of Vodafone’s M&A activity.

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Matthew Howett

Founder & CEO, Assembly Research

Matthew is a well-regarded expert on regulatory and policy issues across communications markets and the wider digital economy. With nearly 20 years experience, he has an established presence in the industry and is a regular contributor to the international press and broadcast media on a range of telecoms and technology issues given his ability to distil complex topics in a clear and concise way. He has spoken at a number of high profile events in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America on issues such as the European regulatory framework, net neutrality and broadband policy.

Prior to founding Assembly in 2017, Matthew was at Ovum for over a decade where he led its regulation and policy practice. He has an MA (Hons) in Economics from The University of Edinburgh.

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Maarit Palovirta

Deputy Director General - Policy and Strategy, Connect Europe

Maarit Palovirta is the Deputy Director General of Connect Europe, the voice of the leading providers of connectivity networks and services in Europe. She leads the association’s policy and organisational strategy, overseeing its work on a variety of policy and regulatory topics as well as its international outreach. She is also a Board member of CTAM Europe.

Before joining the Association as a Director of Regulatory Affairs in 2019, Maarit was a Senior Manager of European Affairs at the Internet Society where she acquired strong experience in internet development as well as extensive links with global internet and tech stakeholders. Prior to that, she engaged with governments across EMEA as a public sector business development manager at Cisco Systems for six years. Maarit has also developed a strong service-oriented, hands-on profile acquired in leading public affairs consultancies in Brussels.

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Luigi Ardito

Senior Director of Government Affairs EMEA, Qualcomm

Luigi Ardito is currently working as a Senior Director of Government Affairs EMEA at Qualcomm. He is leading Qualcomm spectrum and regulatory policy agenda in Europe dealing with various government entities and industry organizations. He is also the Chairman of Digital Europe Spectrum Group and member of the GSA Spectrum management team.

Prior to joining Qualcomm, Luigi worked at Sony Corporation both in Japan and in the UK for over a decade. He has additionally gained a professional experience at France Telecom and at the Italian Public Broadcaster RAI. Luigi has extensive experience in the Media and Telecom industry as well as the Semiconductor Industry gained through his assignments at Qualcomm, Sony, France Telecom and RAI.

He holds an Electronic Engineering Degree from the Politecnico di Torino in Italy, an MBA of Marketing and Finance from the Henley Management College in the UK and a Diploma in Communications and Media Regulations at the European University Institute – Robert Schuman Centre.

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Richard Lowe

Chief Technology Officer, Satellite Applications Catapult

Richard is Chief Technology Officer for the UK’s Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC). He joined SAC in 2022 as Technical Director and was appointed as CTO in 2024. His role has far-reaching responsibilities for applications including connectivity, geospatial technologies and user-centred design, alongside upstream areas including satellite missions and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.

Richard previously worked for RheaTech (now Starion), at the UK Space Agency, leading engineering activities for the UK Space-Based PNT programme. He led innovation and technology governance at Telespazio UK, while also managing their Earth Observation group. During his earlier career, he worked at VEGA on Galileo, Europe’s navigation system after starting in the space sector at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), in Germany. His first space job was developing training simulators for the Mission Control teams of ESA’s Rosetta Comet Lander and Mars Express missions.

Richard is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

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Jamie Hayes

Chief Sales and Commercial Officer, Cornerstone

Jamie Hayes, Chief Sales and Commercial Officer at Cornerstone, drives the business's ambition to be the guardian of all digital infrastructure for wireless customers, enterprises, government partnerships, and communities across the UK. Formerly Managing Director at Boldyn Networks UK, he was responsible for developing new capabilities, focusing on the fibre and streetscape business. Prior to this, he led BT’s Enterprise – Wholesale mobile network operators segment and spent time in global leadership roles at Ericsson in the US, Middle East and Europe. He spends time outside work with three causes; Be the Business and One Million Mentors mentoring and coaching, and volunteering with YoungMinds a leading youth mental health charity.
His ITP Fellowship is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry.
 

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Dr Ashweeni Beeharee

Head of Ubiquitous Connectivity, Satellite Applications Catapult

Dr Ashweeni Beeharee is the Head of Ubiquitous Connectivity department and he joined the Satellite Applications Catapult in 2013. Through a mix of technical expertise, business and user centred design experience, he has shaped a number of high impact R&D work as well as technology driven business initiatives throughout his career. He leads the catapult activities in seamless communications (including satellite communication and 5G/6G) – driving for unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications.

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Yasrine Ibnyahya

Senior Director, Advanced Concepts and Technologies , Viasat

Yasrine is an engineering professional with 18 years in the space industry, specializing in innovation, communication systems, and entrepreneurship. She currently leads the Advanced Concepts and Technologies department at Viasat’s Global Space Networks Division, where she has created and led several innovative mission concepts. She's also been key in building large public-private partnerships with space agencies worldwide. Her academic accolades include an Executive MBA from University of Cambridge, UK and two Masters of Science degrees in the UK and France. As an ambassador for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Yasrine founded the Inmarsat Women’s Network and is a regular advocate for STEM education.  

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Richard Lowe

Chief Technology Officer, Satellite Applications Catapult

Richard is Chief Technology Officer for the UK’s Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC). He joined SAC in 2022 as Technical Director and was appointed as CTO in 2024. His role has far-reaching responsibilities for applications including connectivity, geospatial technologies and user-centred design, alongside upstream areas including satellite missions and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.

Richard previously worked for RheaTech (now Starion), at the UK Space Agency, leading engineering activities for the UK Space-Based PNT programme. He led innovation and technology governance at Telespazio UK, while also managing their Earth Observation group. During his earlier career, he worked at VEGA on Galileo, Europe’s navigation system after starting in the space sector at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), in Germany. His first space job was developing training simulators for the Mission Control teams of ESA’s Rosetta Comet Lander and Mars Express missions.

Richard is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

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Kate North

Public Affairs Manager, South , Virgin Media O2

Kate is the Public Affairs Manager for the South of England at Virgin Media O2. Kate began her career in Local Government, spending 10 years working in economic development, digital leadership and infrastructure deployment. Kate is now responsible for Virgin Media O2’s public affairs engagement with Local Authorities and Regional Government across the South of the UK, covering both fixed and mobile connectivity. 

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Natalie Black CBE

Group Director, Networks and Communications, Ofcom

Natalie was the UK’s first HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific from 2018 to 2023. Based in Singapore, she led the UK’s trade strategy and operations across the region. Previously, she served as Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, Director of the Internet Harms Unit, and Director of the Office of Cyber Security. Before joining the Civil Service, Natalie was the Chief of Staff to the Director of Security at London2012, a management consultant and a Fulbright scholar at Harvard University. 

Natalie is responsible for Ofcom’s work in the telecoms, post and network sectors, where our aim is to protect consumers and promote competition. She will also lead our work on the implications of Artificial Intelligence, overseeing any future regulatory impact for Ofcom, and will be an Executive Member of Ofcom’s Board.  

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Megan Lawless

Senior Digital Strategy Officer , Manchester Digital Strategy

Megan is the Senior Digital Strategy Officer for Manchester City Council. She has a keen interest in the impact of technology on society, climate and culture. Megan is interested in how Manchester can enable a just transition to digital, that improves the quality of people's lives.

Before joining the Council, Megan worked in policy and communications positions at The University of Manchester and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

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Emma Shearer

Senior Government and Public Affairs Manager, CityFibre

Emma is a Senior Public Affairs Manager at CityFibre, leading on policy development and MP engagement. In her role, she is responsible for policy areas including barriers to rollout, rural deployment and telecoms security, working with both UK and Scottish Governments and Parliaments. Prior to joining CityFibre in 2021, Emma worked in Public Affairs Consultancy advising businesses in the tech, telecoms and travel sectors, including working as part of the ISPA secretariat managing the Broadband Policy workstream.

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Lucie Smith

Vice-Chair, Communications and Infrastructure Services Council

Lucie Smith is Director of Programmes DMSL, the sole joint venture of all four UK mobile operators. Lucie is responsible for engagement and communications for the Shared Rural Network, a £1bn programme to improve 4G mobile coverage in rural areas across the UK, and delivery of Restore TV, a programme providing support to viewers who experience TV interference as a result of new mobile services being launched. Lucie has over 15 years’ experience within the tech and telco industries, and has held UK, regional and global roles.

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George Robinson

Head of Government Affairs, Three

George Robinson is currently a Head of Government Affairs at Three UK, bringing experience from previous roles at Trainline, Newgate Communications, Abellio Group and Westbourne Communications. 

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Bradley Carter-Roberts

Head of Broadband Strategy and Regulation Team, DSIT

No bio provided

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Laura Mejuto Iglesias

Head of Spectrum Policy Innovation, Department of Science, Innovation and Technology

Laura Mejuto Iglesias leads spectrum policy innovation at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, she focuses on how new technology and innovative thinking can improve the way people and businesses use spectrum.

With 15 years of international experience in public and private organisations, Laura held technical and policy roles at Ofcom, where she worked on the upper 6 GHz hybrid sharing approach and the Shared Access Licence Framework. Her diverse experience across regulatory bodies and industry positions has equipped her with a deep understanding of the telecommunications landscape. Laura holds a BSc in Telecommunications Engineering and a MSc in Signal theory and communications.

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Cristina Data

Director of Spectrum Information and Analysis, Ofcom

Cristina is the Director of Spectrum information and analysis, Spectrum Group at Ofcom and is also a NED of the Energy System Catapult. Cristina currently leads the Spectrum Mobile Data Strategy programme with a particular focus on assessing the implications of growing demand. Prior to working on 5G, Cristina led the development of a new spectrum sharing framework, and launched Ofcom open data policy. In particular Cristina was responsible for the release of the UK Interactive spectrum map and the release of information on spectrum use in open format. Prior to joining Ofcom Cristina held various marketing and strategy roles at Telefonica O2, EE (then Orange), and Ericsson (then Red Bee Media). Cristina holds a Master Degree in Management Engineering from the Politecnico di Torino university in Italy. 

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Gavin Cartwright

Partner, EY

No bio provided

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Alan Nunn

Senior Consultant, Telecoms, CGI UK

Alan has almost four decades of experience in UK Telecoms, having worked in various roles at BT, as CTO at Newport Networks and as a Telecoms Consultant. Through his career, he has built great experience in developing business strategy and creating road maps for technology solutions to meet the most complex business challenges.

Alan’s current role at CGI is to ensure that our capabilities are matched to the needs of our Communications clients, and to build new solutions to support our clients’ changing requirements. Alan has co-authored “UK Telecoms For Dummies”, an essential guide to the complicated UK Telecoms sector, as part of CGI For Dummies Series.

He is a member of the techUK Communications Infrastructure and Services Council, where he contributed to the white paper ‘Private Networks: a new user guide by techUK’ in his role as Chair of the Advanced Communications Working Group.

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Dr Peter Couch

CEO, Joint Radio Company

Dr. Peter D Couch is Chief Executive Officer at Joint Radio Company working with the Energy Network Operators to establish the optimum regulatory regime to facilitate the Smart Grid future. An innovative, highly driven strategic thinker with 20+ years’ experience of enhancing enterprise value in regulated businesses within the Energy, Technology, Media and Telecommunications sectors.

At JRC Peter is responsible for all Management and Operational activities supporting the Operational Telecommunications needs of the UK Energy Network Operators and works closely with key stakeholders in DESNZ, Ofgem, DSIT and Ofcom to ensure that the UK Energy sector has the appropriate spectrum rights and regulatory interventions to facilitate 'Smart Grid' developments.

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