JUDGES

Simon Burkhardt is representing Comms Council UK. He is an experienced C level executive in the UK and international telecoms and technology sector. His most recent experience is in the UK fibre (FTTP) and cloud communications sectors.

Simon presently holds non exec board roles with bOnline, Magrathea, and The Communications Council UK, whilst also conducting advisory work across the telco sector.

During his career, he has held leadership positions including stints as CEO at Kelly Communications, managing director at both Vonage (now part of Ericsson) and Connexin, the FTTP provider in Hull. Prior to those roles, he worked globally in a number of regions in C level positions for operators such as Telefonica O2, BT, MTS and Ooredoo.

As the CEO of the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP), Charlotte is dedicated to redefining the telecoms industry and creating a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive workforce for the future. Her leadership and vision have positioned the ITP as a driving force in shaping the industry's landscape.

With a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, Charlotte recognises the immense value that a diverse workforce brings to the telecoms industry. By championing equal opportunities and creating pathways for underrepresented groups, she is breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive in the industry.

Under her leadership, the ITP has become a hub for innovation and collaboration. Charlotte understands that the future of the telecoms industry lies in embracing technological advancements and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Dr Lucy Green has a proven expertise for developing the hidden potential that lies within channels and businesses. Her specialist insight has proved valuable to companies ranging from channel providers and resellers, ambitious start-ups and successful enterprises. Lucy has a talent for unlocking a company’s hidden potential, enabling it to improve and flourish. She has delivered business transformations worth over £300 million.

Outside of Larato, Lucy is a popular industry speaker and an energetic advocate of women in science and technology.

Itret Latif was appointed CEO of the Federation of Communications Services (FCS) at the beginning 2019. He has held several leading non-executive positions in telecoms and energy and has provided evidence to House of Commons and House of Lords select committees in these areas. Notably, he was the first to identify broadband as a utility and also called for regulatory change and restructuring of BT.

Itret has an energy utility background. As a former senior executive of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), he established and headed the company’s retail telecoms and gas businesses. He joined the FCS board in 2009 and was appointed deputy chairman before stepping into his CEO role.

David is a well-known strategist, keynote speaker and influencer on cloud computing, digital transformation, social collaboration and ERP software. In 2023, he was appointed CEO of the Cloud Industry Forum, stepping up from director and deputy chair of the organisation.

He is a specialist in sales, marketing and operations in the technology sector, and guest lectures on digital and social media at Henley Business School and on INSEEC’s MBA programme. David is an advisor and non-exec director for several companies, and a regular host on the tech TV channel Disruptive.Live.

Adam Zoldan has over 25 years’ experience in the telecoms and technology sector. He is founder and director of Knight Corporate Finance, a specialist boutique which helps entrepreneurs realise their ambitions through advising on strategy, funding, acquisitions and exits.

Founded in 2008, Knight has successfully delivered over 120 transactions across the ICT sector. Adam was formerly a managing director of V Networks which was acquired by Opal Telecom and prior to this he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance as lead advisor for telecommunication transactions.