The former head of acquisition at communications giant O2 has joined Bath-based full fibre broadband provider Truespeed as its new director of marketing & sales.
Melanie Hunter-Yell, pictured, will focus on enhancing Truespeed’s brand and engaging with customers as the firm continues on its mission of expanding its ultrafast network to underserved communities across the South West.
Melanie has more than 24 years’ experience in the telecoms and tech industries, having worked for Microsoft and mobile phone group Truphone, where she was head of consumer, as well as at O2.
Having also worked in top London agencies along with her corporate roles, Melanie has developed and executed business plans and disruptive marketing strategies for some of the biggest telco and consumer brands in the world.
Her arrival at Truespeed comes just a month after it received £100m from Aviva Investors – the largest funding since its launch nearly eight years ago.
It was the second investment from the global asset management arm of UK-based insurance giant Aviva, following on from the £75m it invested in Truespeed in 2017.
Truespeed, which started out as a community interest company in 2014 to help level-up the region’s digital capabilities, has since become one of the Bath area’s fastest-growing companies.
The latest investment from Aviva will be used to accelerate the roll-out of Truespeed’s ultrafast, gigabit-capable full fibre network across the South West.
Truespeed CEO James Lowther said: “Melanie brings both traditional and digital engagement experience to Truespeed and I’m delighted to have her on board.
“She will be focused on creative ways of connecting and engaging with customers and enhancing the Truespeed brand as we continue to rollout our network.
“Truespeed’s growth is a testament to our fantastic team and customers, and we look forward to our continued acceleration and expansion across the South West.”
Melanie added: “The team at Truespeed is revolutionising the way households, businesses and schools connect with ultrafast, ultra-reliable broadband, and I’m thrilled to be joining a loved and trusted company that is passionate about connecting South West communities.
“Having reliable and fast broadband is now a basic need which has become an expectation in every household. It’s only going to get more important and ingrained in our daily lives.”
