LightSpeed Networks appoints Partridge as MD
July 1, 2026
LightSpeed Networks, the LightSpeed group’s infrastructure business, providing business connectivity, wholesale and network services, has appointed Matthew Partridge as Managing Director.
Partridge brings over 30 years of experience across the telecoms and connectivity sector, including senior roles at Colt Technology Services. At LightSpeed Networks, he will lead the commercial and operational development of the business, overseeing the translation of LightSpeed Networks’ infrastructure, service assurance and operational capability into commercially deliverable propositions for mid-market and enterprise organisations, ISPs, channel partners and wholesale buyers.
Partridge commented “The UK connectivity market has matured considerably. The infrastructure conversation has largely been won. What I see now is a market that needs a different kind of argument, one built around commercial accountability, clear operational ownership and the confidence that comes from working with a provider that is genuinely responsible for the outcome, not just the contract. LightSpeed Networks has the infrastructure foundation and the operational model to make that case credibly. I am here to build the commercial structure around it.”
The appointment follows that of Ashley Griffiths as Senior Sales Director, who joined LightSpeed Networks earlier in 2026 to lead its direct enterprise and partner routes to market. Together, Partridge and Griffiths strengthen LightSpeed Networks’ commercial leadership across enterprise, wholesale and partner engagement, supporting the business’ primary routes to market.
Liam Hickey, CEO, LightSpeed Group, added: “The businesses and partners we work with need a connectivity provider that takes genuine ownership of the outcome, not just the contract. What we are building at LightSpeed Networks is the infrastructure, the operational model and the commercial leadership to deliver exactly that. Matthew and Ashley further strengthen our commercial leadership, enabling us to take that proposition to market with even greater depth and clarity. That is what our customers and partners deserve.”
LightSpeed Networks is built on owned network capability across the East of England, East and West Midlands, delivering Ethernet, dedicated internet access and wholesale connectivity underpinned by SLA-backed service assurance and direct operational ownership. The business supports mid-market and enterprise organisations, public sector bodies, ISPs and channel partners through direct, partner and wholesale delivery routes.
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