Press Release
Telecommunications provider, Aerial Direct is delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Phillips as our new COO. Jason, who has spent over 20 years at 02 (Telefonica UK), will take up his new position on September 1st. This is the first in a number of key senior appointments as Aerial Direct strengthens its leadership team.
Jason’s breadth of leadership experience and vast knowledge of the business communications industry will be instrumental in driving Aerial Direct’s ambitious and transformational growth plans. David Ainslie, the current COO and co-founder of the business, will move into a Non-Executive Director role, drawing on his specialist knowledge to advise, develop and continue to support the overall group strategy.
Jason brings his knowledge and unique skill set from his 20-year career at O2 (Telefonica UK). Here he held a number of senior positions in O2’s Consumer Division, Retail, Head of Franchising, and latterly, for the past six years as Head of Business Partners. During this time, he restructured the entire O2 team, transformed the channel make-up launching the O2 Direct Partner network, and delivered year on year growth.
Reporting directly to David Kilby (CEO) Jason will be responsible for Aerial Directs’ day to day operations while driving the overall group strategy of organic and inorganic growth during a time of enormous opportunity for the company.
Commenting on the appointment, David Kilby said: “Jason is someone we have worked very closely with over the past few years. During this time, he has shown a mutual energy to drive change and exploit ways to disrupt existing industry models. Jason is a very respected leader and I am excited to be working directly with him as we expand, break new ground in the market and explore new territories”
Jason Phillips commented further: “I am incredibly excited at the opportunity to join Aerial Direct and its team, which I have admired for some time. This is a new challenge for me after a wonderful time at O2 but one which I relish, and I am thrilled to be a part of the next phase of significant growth. Aerial Direct is a business that is well respected across the sector and a benchmark for many. I am impressed with David’s ambitious plans and I am looking forward to working with him and the team, while helping cement our position as a UK leader in business communications. There is so much opportunity in supporting and guiding business customers, especially in these changing times, and Aerial Direct has the plans, infrastructure and people to win and deliver an exceptional service for its customers.”
