Connect44 Group continues a series of strategic measures to accelerate business growth with the appointment of Francis Schmeer as Group CEO.

The new leader of Connect44 has significant global leadership experience across multiple sectors ranging from telecoms to healthcare technology, including experience in executive management roles at Sony Ericsson, OC Oerlikon and Ascom.

“I joined the company because I believe in the enormous expansion potential of Connect44 and ultimately because I share the same vision as the founders: to become Europe’s largest independent Telecoms & IT engineering solutions company while keeping our very clear and distinct service culture”, said Francis Schmeer.

The new Group CEO will continue the mission started by the company co-founders Leo Kidel and James Rogerson, over 22 years ago, and will support the business growth strategically as well as through enhanced operational capabilities. “My goal is to develop and execute an accelerated organic and inorganic growth strategy while increasing the company’s prime vendor value proposition for mobile operators, tower companies and Tier 1 network companies across Europe”, added Francis Schmeer.

“Ever since we founded the Connect44 Group, we have always been on a mission to deliver best-in-class services to our customers. In addition to the wonderful dedication of our entire team, we have also made important strategic and geographical investments to create the long-term client partnerships for which we are well known in the industry.”, added James Rogerson, Connect44 Co-founder.

As part of leading the business to further success and expansion, the new Group CEO will also introduce technology innovations such as Digital Twin automation and digitalisation of customer network operations and processes. “We trust in Francis Schmeer and the management team to expand our footprint with ongoing innovations, while developing state-of-the-art solutions meant to drive increased value for our customers”, said Leo Kidel, Connect44 Co-founder.

About CONNECT44

Connect44 Group is a System Integrator in areas such as mobile solutions, fixed networks and enterprise services, with offices in 11 countries and over 1.200 employees. Headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, the Connect44 brand was co-founded by Leo Kidel and James Rogerson in 2000.