October Edition

Jan Hruska – Chief Technology Officer – O2

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Jan Hruska – O2

Jan Hruska graduated in Computer Science at Charles University in Prague in 1994. After 8 years in management consulting, he moved to Telefónica O2 Czech Republic. Within his 15 years with Telefónica, and later O2 Czech Republic, Jan went through many positions, mainly Fixed-Mobile convergence program manager, E-shop manager, Director for distribution strategy and sales performance, Fixed services marketing director, to his current role of CTO, covering responsibility for IT, Network, and Product management areas. Jan’s latest focus is FWA, 5G, IPTV platform, IT modernization, and agile at a scale of big organization.

Boris Dragovic – Chief Strategy Officer – Hyperoptic

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Boris Dragovic – Hyperoptic Cropped

Boris is Chief Strategy Officer at a leading UK fibre infrastructure and broadband service provider – Hyperoptic. Prior to his currently 3 years at Hyperoptic, Boris has spent 7 years as Senior Vice President of McKinsey & Company’s Recovery and Transformation Service focusing on strategy and transformation design and implementation and serving some of the largest Telcos globally, including in senior interim roles. As part of his current role, Boris now focuses extensively on market and investment dynamics in fibre infrastructure, looking at the mid-/long-term fibre value creation in European, and especially UK market.

Kjeld Balmer – Head of Network Technology – Norlys

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Kjeld Balmer – Norlys Cropped

Kjeld Balmer is heading the operation and development of the cable network in Norlys, the 2nd largest service provider and infrastructure owner in Denmark. His primary responsibilities include research and evaluation of technology transformations as it relates to Norlys’ business, strategic and operational objectives. Previously, Kjeld has been holding different management positions in the telco industry in Europe. Kjeld holds a Masters degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a E-MBA in Technology and Change Management from Aalborg University in Denmark.

Jef Vandecruys – Managing Director – MEDIAGENIX

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Jef-Vandecruys-Mediagenix-1

Jef Vandecruys is MD EMEA at MEDIAGENIX. MEDIAGENIX provides solutions on the content supply chain for content providers. Before that Jef was COO at Zappware, a company providing applications and back-end solutions for Telco’s digital TV.

Jef is an experienced media executive passionate in bringing content to the consumers. With the mix of linear/VoD/OTT/platforms/etc. and the technology evolution challenges are always crossing his path. Prior to that, Jef has held senior leadership and management roles at Proximus and AB-Inbev.

John Illingworth – Sales Director – Bitmovin

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John-Illingworth-Bitmovin

John Illingworth is Sales Director Middle East & Africa for Bitmovin, a company providing software products that solve complex video problems for leading media companies worldwide.

With career foundations at the highest level of aerospace electronic engineering, John switched over to the world of video under account management and sales in the UK CATV industry before moving to Dubai 10 years ago. Prior to Bitmovin, John has had extensive experience in various commercial roles at companies including Teleste, Technetix, Irdeto and Verimatrix. His work with industry’s leading broadcasters, system integrators, telcos and OTT platforms has led to world-class streaming solutions, enjoyed by millions of viewers in the Middle East and Africa. He has extensive knowledge on fiber optics, RF networks, and anti-piracy technologies.