From the depths of the ocean to the forefront of telecoms innovation, Lee Smelt’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering vision. As Group Solutions Director at Connect44, Lee brings a rare combination of military discipline and entrepreneurial spirit to every challenge he encounters.

From Hull to the Royal Navy

Lee’s story begins in Hull, grounded in strong family ties to Manchester and Hull. At the age of just 16, he made the bold decision to join the Royal Navy, serving for a decade as an engineer aboard three nuclear submarines. “It was intense. We’d be dived for extended periods, often months at a time, working on a strict watch system,” he recalls. “We had to understand not just our own functional areas but be prepared to step into any role in any part of the boat as needed.”

This time beneath the waves, working in some of the most demanding and high-pressure environments imaginable, laid the foundations for a lifelong appreciation of teamwork, adaptability, and high performance.

Into the World of Telecoms

After leaving the Navy, Lee made a seamless transition into telecommunications, taking on engineering then project management roles with Nortel in Russia, Siberia, and Poland. Later, he joined Orange, an 8-year period he describes as pivotal in shaping his professional growth. Then, in 2006, came a career-defining opportunity.

“I was approached by an ex-colleague to join Connect44, which was just starting out,” Lee explains. “I thought I was joining a large organisation - but when I arrived, it was just me and the boss.” It was a moment of clarity and courage, as he stepped away from the security of large operators and embraced the energy and uncertainty of a start-up environment.

Steering Solutions at Group Level

Today, Lee leads with calm authority as Group Solutions Director. His remit spans technical and commercial solutions, Operational oversight, project management, and a growing focus on automation and artificial intelligence.

“Our teams provide consistent support across different business units,” he says. “We’re increasingly looking at how automation and AI can streamline delivery and operations. The aim is to implement meaningful, effective solutions - internally and for clients alike.”

What drives him after all these years? “The fact that nothing stays the same,” he says without hesitation. “Every day brings a new challenge. I’m surrounded by bright, capable people who are determined to find solutions. Our attitude is always ‘we will deliver’ - never a flat no.”

Life Beyond the Office

Lee is quick to emphasise the importance of maintaining balance. He’s about to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary with his wife, Alison, and the couple shares a passion for travel and wine tasting. Closer to home, Lee enjoys walking his dog and supporting his son Jacob on the football pitch.

“I was actually a football coach for both my children, Jacob and Emily, for many years,” he says with pride - proof that his leadership qualities extend far beyond the boardroom.

Embracing the Future of Telecoms

With a career that has spanned tectonic shifts in the telecoms industry, Lee remains energised by what lies ahead. “We’ve evolved through 2G to 4G, and now we’re working with 5G, virtualisation, cloud, and AI with the mention of 6G whitepapers on the horizon. The pace of change over the last decade has been astonishing.”

He sees AI and automation as the next great frontier. “It’s about finding tangible, affordable solutions that bring real benefits. Not innovation for its own sake, but improvements that genuinely enhance performance, both operationally and comercially.”

Words of Wisdom

As someone who has thrived in both military and corporate settings, Lee’s advice for young professionals is grounded in experience: “Stay curious, be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid of change. The technology’s always evolving, and those who succeed are the ones who adapt and grow with it.”

A Career Anchored in Integrity

Whether navigating the deep seas or guiding large-scale telecoms projects, Lee Smelt’s story is defined by calm under pressure, the courage to evolve, and a belief in the power of collaboration.

In a world that moves faster every day, leaders like Lee offer a steady hand and a forward-looking mindset - an anchor of experience and innovation at the heart of Connect44.