Technology Leadership

I lead technology organisations through transformation

20+ years converting telco complexity into commercial results — from early-stage startup through scale-up to successful exit. Whether you're looking for a permanent technology leader or strategic support through a critical transition, I deliver when it matters.

SC Clearable UK/Swiss National Available Now
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Simon Gadd

IoT platform turnaround — 6 months

Took over as MD of a struggling IoT connectivity platform serving a major UK mobile operator. The platform was missing SLAs, the customer relationship was fractured, and contract renewal was at risk.

Inherited

  • Platform in crisis — missing SLAs
  • Customer relationship fractured
  • Contract renewal at risk

Delivered

  • Complete platform rebuild in 6 months
  • New 3-year contract secured
  • 300K+ SIMs under management

How

Led a 28-person distributed team (UK product, India engineering). Established incident management, SLAs, change control, and security compliance for a regulated telco environment.

Startup to scale-up to exit

I've lived the full company lifecycle. Early in my career, I joined a telecoms startup as one of the first technical hires and helped build it through rapid growth to eventual acquisition — giving me first-hand experience of sell-side preparation and what acquirers look for.

At Nextgen, I joined as employee #2 and helped scale it from 3 to 200+ staff across multiple countries. Built the Mobile Roaming Financial Clearing and IOT Discount Management platforms from a blank sheet. Central to securing Tier-1 MNO clients globally.

Most recently as Managing Director of Nextgen SIMplify, I had full P&L ownership, defined the 3-year strategy, and integrated AI-driven analytics with eSIM/5G-SA support. I present quarterly to boards and work fluently with investor-style forecasting and governance.

I also spent 4 years on MoD contracts (SC Cleared), building Oracle APEX systems for defence — giving me deep understanding of government hosting, engineering standards, and orchestration requirements.

I'm equally comfortable as a hands-on technology leader in a permanent role or providing strategic support through advisory and interim engagements.

20+
Years in technology leadership
3→200+
Staff growth at Nextgen
Exit
Sell-side preparation experience
SC
Clearance eligible

Building production AI — not PowerPoint

Agentic AI for Telcos

Building production PoC systems that autonomously execute business processes — call centre optimisation, billing dispute resolution, customer journey automation. Working systems, not vapourware.

Decision AI Expertise

Deep understanding of AI systems that provide auditable, explainable recommendations for complex commercial decisions — traffic steering, pricing optimisation, risk assessment.

AI-Driven Analytics Platform

Architected real-time data infrastructure (Apache Pinot, Superset) powering automated billing reconciliation and predictive analytics for 300K+ managed SIMs.

API-First Platform Design

Led architecture of IoT CMP with full programmatic control — the foundation for AI/ML integration and autonomous operations.

Recommendations

Simon was a key member of the leadership team — able to support the core business, as well as autonomously drive his own division. His views were always listened to as commercial and strategic. Simon would be a very valuable member of any senior leadership team.

Nicholas Hoare

CEO, Nextgen Clearing

A rare combination of deep technical understanding and genuine commercial expertise. Equally comfortable in the boardroom discussing long-term strategy as he is getting into the detail to solve a customer's immediate challenges. Someone of real integrity who colleagues trust.

Georg Kaiser

Regional Sales Director, Nextgen Clearing

A unique blend of excellent relationship management, technical depth and business acumen. A rare combination of skills. He brings a level of enthusiasm and commitment that is refreshing in a business partner.

Bryan Burns

Transaction Network Services

He instantly builds rapport and quickly establishes himself as a trusted advisor. His ability to turn a business problem into an effective solution is a critical factor in not just gaining trust with clients but also winning business. I would work with Simon again in a heartbeat.

Jill Paterson

Global Sales Professional

How I can help

Permanent Leadership

CTO, CPO, or CTPO roles where I can build and lead technology organisations for the long term. I thrive in environments that need both strategic vision and hands-on delivery.

Interim & Fractional

CTO, MD, or CPO roles on an interim or fractional basis. Hands-on leadership for turnarounds, scale-ups, or bridge periods. Full P&L capability.

Strategic Advisory

IT due diligence for PE/VC investments. Technology strategy and roadmap development. AI readiness assessment. Market positioning for telecoms and connectivity businesses.

Deep experience across the stack

AI & Data

  • Agentic AI Systems
  • Decision AI / ML Ops
  • Real-time Analytics
  • API-First Architecture

Telco Domain

  • IoT / CMP Platforms
  • BSS/OSS Systems
  • Wholesale Roaming
  • 4G/5G/eSIM/eUICC

Leadership

  • P&L Ownership
  • Scale-up (3→200+)
  • Tier-1 Deal Closing
  • Board & Investor Comms

Let's talk

Whether you're looking for a permanent technology leader, need someone to navigate a critical transition, or want strategic advice — I'd welcome a conversation.