A one-day event for the next generation of global submarine cable industry talent

Neil joined PCCW Global in 2013 and is in charge of planning and implementation of strategic marketing activities. Neil has 25years of international B2B marketing experience in telecoms and other professional sectors. He previously held leadership positions in marketing, product management and business development at C&W, AT&T, Reliance Globalcom and Berwin Leighton Paisner.

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Neil has a BA honours degree from Manchester University.

Hi everyone, I’m Gayatri. I’m currently a Market Analyst at Ciena, having graduated with an MPhys in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Leeds.

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My journey into the telecoms industry began at the First Wave Conference in 2022. As a recent graduate exploring career options, this conference provided invaluable insights into the vast opportunities within the communications technology sector. Engaging with both newcomers and veterans of the industry sparked my passion, and I have been captivated ever since!

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My background in physics has honed my analytical skills and critical thinking, which have been instrumental in my role. At Ciena, I focus on researching emerging technologies, particularly in AI, and exploring their potential impacts on network infrastructure. Being at the forefront of technological advancements is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to continuing this journey of discovery and innovation.

Alistair studied Geography with Oceanography at the University of Southampton and followed this up with a Masters degree in Hydrographic Surveying from UCL.  Shortly afterwards, he found work as an offshore surveyor, a position that took him to far-flung locations all over the world.  Following his time offshore, he found himself on land again providing technical support to a variety of civil engineering schemes.

He started his life in the telecoms world in 2019 when he joined ASN as a Cable Route Engineer.  Five years at ASN saw him work on a number of exciting projects and was the lead engineer on projects spanning a total of over 30,000km worth of cable.

Following a short stint in the ASN Fleet Services department and a little more time offshore, Alistair moved to BT in May 2024, where he now provides advice on all things marine related.

Jim Fagan is the Chief Executive Office of EXA Infrastructure, joining the business in August 2024 to spearhead the next phase in EXA’s growth journey. Jim brings more than 25-years’ experience across international telecoms and technology, having worked with organisations varying from small private/public ventures to private equity owned and large publicly traded multinational corporations, across the US, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions. Prior to joining EXA Infrastructure, Jim was the CEO of Aqua Comms, a leading subsea fibre-optic cable operator headquartered in Ireland. Previous to that, Jim served as the Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer at Global Cloud Exchange (GCX) where he played a key role in the sale of the firm to 3i, the UK based private equity and venture capital firm. A successful eight-year stint in the Asia-Pacific region with Rackspace, Pacnet and Telstra, saw Jim serve in a number of executive roles across product, technology, and operations. Jim’s broad telecom experience and deep understanding of technology trends will see him lead EXA Infrastructure’s growth by meeting and exceeding the demands of customers in a fast growing and ever-changing technology landscape.

Jack Bullen’s journey at Aqua Comms started when he accepted an intern position in March 2021 as an Assistant Engineer to the Head of Networking Engineering while studying computer science at University. After a successful internship, Jack accepted a full time position as Junior Service Provisioning Engineer in October 2021. He is now responsible for all provisioning and has been heavily involved in the Aqua Comms product development arena. His input and challenges have helped shape our raw and managed spectrum offerings with comprehensive operational, best in class procedures embedded. Jack was instrumental in the successful Aqua Comms and Arelion 400 Gbit trial across the Atlantic into Europe (first in this market).

Dr Anna Butchart heads the subsea telecoms cables security policy team in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. She has over 20 years’ experience in national security and foreign policy. She joined DSIT in February 2024 after 13 years as a British diplomat in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK and overseas working on international energy security, civil nuclear, maritime, cyber, postings in Australia and Georgia, and most recently served as Deputy UK Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan. Anna holds a PhD in Foresight and Strategy from the University of Hawaii where she built on her previous degree in War Studies and diplomatic experience exploring the issues shaping the future of conflict and international security.

Ciaran is EXA Infrastructure’s Chief Operating Officer. He’s responsible for leading Exa Infrastructure’s Network Operations, Engineering, Delivery, Customer Assurance, Vendor and Strategic Program Management teams. Prior to EXA Infrastructure, Ciaran led GTT’s Optical Engineering and Operational teams, streamlining operational and engineering processes including organisational development, while working on GTT’s technical M&A strategy, Global Network integration, consolidation and the completion of complex network synergy programs. Ciaran has nearly 20 years experience in the Telecoms industry with in-depth knowledge of IP, Ethernet, Submarine & Terrestrial Optical Transmission systems. He spent much of his career at Hibernia Networks, recruiting and training the first operational teams in2007 while building out their Global footprint. He served in multiple senior leadership roles delivering multiple industry recognised projects.

Mike Hollands joined Columbia Capital as a Venture Partner in March 2024, focussing on Digital Infrastructure Investments. Prior to joining Columbia Capital, Mike was part of the Investments and Acquisitions team at Digital Realty, with responsibility for New Market Development and contributing to Digital Realty’s expansions in the Mediterranean, Africa, and India.

With over 25 years’ experience in the communications sector, Mike has also held positions at Interxion, Colt Technology Services, Cable & Wireless and Mercury Communications. Mike received his BSc in Business Studies from Bayes Business School in London with a specialisation in Marketing.

Mike has worked for the company since its initiation in 2008 through to its establishment as one of the leading providers of digital connectivity solutions to the wholesale marketplace in Africa. Mike‘s leadership responsibilities include driving marketing strategy and business growth initiatives. As a member of the Executive team, he is also closely involved in the company’s running, including formulation of company strategy.

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Mike has over 30 years of experience in the telecoms industry and joined WIOCC having previously held marketing, consultancy, sales training, business analysis, and development roles with various telecommunications companies including FLAG Telecom/Reliance, Turk Telekom, COLT, Equant, Verizon Business and B.T. Mike’s interests include cycling, running, scuba diving and travel.