Neil McArthur MBE FIMechE FIET (born 1956/1957) is a British businessman, the founder of Opal Telecom, former MD of TalkTalk Technology, and now head of group innovation for TalkTalk.[2]
Neil McArthur | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1956 or 1957 (age 67–68)[1] Irlam, Lancashire, England |
| Alma mater | University of Essex |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Opal Telecom |
| Title | Head of group innovation, TalkTalk Group |
| Spouse | Anne McArthur |
Early life
editMcArthur was born and grew up in Carr Road, Irlam, the son of a steel worker at the former Irlam Steel Works, and a librarian.[3]
McArthur earned a degree in engineering from the University of Essex.[2] He is a fellow of the Institutes of Engineering and Technology and a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.[2]
Career
editMcArthur began his career as an engineering apprentice at British Nuclear Fuels in 1972, later earning a BSc in Computer and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Essex. In 1981, McArthur co-founded Thurnall PLC, an engineering business focused on control systems for various industries. As the nuclear industry declined in the mid-1990s, he pivoted the company's focus.[4]
McArthur's most significant impact came in the telecom sector.[citation needed] He founded Opal Telecom in the 1980s and was its CEO.[citation needed] In 2002, he led Opal's merger with Carphone Warehouse to create TalkTalk, where he ran the technology division for eight years[citation needed].
In 2018, McArthur became CEO of FibreNation, a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) startup backed by TalkTalk. Under his leadership, FibreNation was acquired by CityFibre in March 2020 for £200 million.[citation needed]
Honours and appointments
editIn 1992, he was awarded an MBE for his services to engineering.[2] He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.[5]
McArthur is a member of the advisory board of the University of Essex Business School, chairman and a trustee of the Hamilton Davies Trust charity and chairman of the Manchester Tech Trust.[2][6][7] He is also a member of the University of Manchester's board of governors.[8][9] In 2024, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
References
edit- ^ Pidd, Helen (4 July 2018). "How philanthropy breathed new life into a forgotten Salford suburb - Helen Pidd". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Taylor talks to Neil McArthur - Downtown in Business". Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ "TalkTalk founder to help local Rugby League club". www.rugby-league.com. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
- ^ "Carphone boss in tribute to NW team". Manchester Evening News.
- ^ "Dr Neil McArthur - Board of Governors - The University of Manchester". Retrieved 5 July 2018.
- ^ "About us | Manchester Tech Trust". www.manchestertechtrust.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- ^ "Our Trustees - Hamilton Davies Trust". Hamilton Davies Trust. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- ^ "Dr Neil McArthur | Board of Governors | The University of Manchester". The University of Manchester. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- ^ Pidd, Helen. "How philanthropy breathed new life into a forgotten Salford suburb". The Guardian.