PMP Strategy partner Ken Campbell appointed CEO of Polish telecom group Play
Polish mobile operator Play has appointed Ken Campbell as its new CEO. He succeeds Jean Marc Harion, who is crossing to parent Iliad Group.
Currently a partner at PMP Strategy in its London office, Ken Campbell brings over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry to the role. Throughout his career, he has worked as a CEO, board member, consultant, and entrepreneur, across Europe, North America, and Africa.
Prior to serving PMP Strategy, Campbell held the role of chairman at Terago, a Canadian B2B operator, and held the position of non-executive director at Octotel, a South African provider of fixed internet services.
His curriculum vitae also includes the roles of founder and CEO of Canadian operator WIND Mobile (now Freedom Mobile), managing director of Moroccan operator INWI, CEO of Ooredoo in Tunisia, CEO of Bite Group in Lithuania and Latvia, and co-founder of Mobile Klinik, a leading Canadian smartphone repair network (acquired by Telus). He began his career at Kearney in the US.
Commenting on his new role, Campbell said: “I am pleased and proud to be taking up the role as CEO of Play. I look forward to working with the talented ‘Players’ in Poland as we build on the exceptional results that the team have achieved.”
Play was founded in 2006 and has since then grown into the one of the largest mobile operators in Poland with 16 million customers (market share of around 25%). In 2022, the company acquired UPC in Poland, marking its entry into the fixed infrastructure segment.
Welcoming Campbell to the role, Thomas Reynaud, CEO of Iliad Group (a French telecom company that owns Play), said: “Ken embodies the qualities that are key to Play’s continued success, including entrepreneurship and mature leadership. I am confident that his extensive international experience will open up new opportunities that will positively impact our vision and propel the Play to new heights.”
Meanwhile, PMP Strategy said in a statement that the consulting firm is sad to see Campbell go, but also thankful of the important contribution he has played in building out its footprint. “Ken, you were a key player in expanding our TMT footprint across Europe, the Middle East and North America. We will miss your expertise, collaboration, good humour and your very human approach to the job.”