Quickline announces leadership transition

Broadband provider Quickline, which is headquartered in Willerby, East Yorkshire, has confirmed the retirement of chief executive Sean Royce after nearly five years at the helm, during which he oversaw significant growth and transformation following the company’s 2021 acquisition by Northleaf Capital Partners.

Mark Bowden, who joined earlier this year as chief financial officer and later took on wider responsibilities as chief transformation officer, has been appointed chief executive.

Mark brings extensive experience in finance, leadership and business transformation from roles at Vodafone, O2, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Checkatrade.

The company has also promoted Martin Cook, formerly director of strategic finance, to chief financial officer. 

Mark said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of chief executive at such an exciting time for Quickline.

“Under Sean’s leadership, the business has achieved incredible momentum, and I’m looking forward to working with Martin and the wider team to build on that success, connecting even more rural homes and businesses and delivering a first-class customer experience.”

Sean will remain involved as strategic board advisor to support a smooth transition and continued growth.

He added: “It has been an honour to lead Quickline and see the business evolve into one of the UK’s most ambitious rural broadband providers.

“We remain on track with our full fibre rollout, having secured four large BDUK Project Gigabit contracts, and are one of the few ISPs that are fully funded, having completed a major debt financing deal in 2024.

“We’ve built strong foundations and a team passionate about connecting rural communities.

“With Mark and Martin stepping into their new roles, Quickline is in excellent hands for the next stage of its journey.”

Paul Howard, board chair at Quickline, added: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside Sean, whose leadership has been instrumental in transforming Quickline into the ambitious, customer-focused business it is today.

“I’m delighted that he will remain involved in an advisory capacity, and that we will continue to benefit from his experience and knowledge of both Quickline and the wider sector.

“I also look forward to working closely with Mark as he leads the company into its next phase of growth and drives the business forward.

“His experience of the sector and customer obsessed organisations will be invaluable as Quickline continues to scale and bring the benefits of exceptional broadband to increasing numbers of households and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.”

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