Ben Roberts, Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which was formerly known as Liquid Telecom has stepped down from his role after 22 years at the Econet Group-owned firm.
“Well, after 22 years, it is with immense excitement, and some sadness, that it is time to move on from this great company Liquid Intelligent Technologies,” Ben wrote on his LinkedIn profile. “I’m proud to have built and lead great teams, and with the great work from those teams, built great products, and perhaps the greatest network in Africa.”
Ben was Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for 7 years and 5 months from Apr 2017 to date and as well the Chairman of the Board – Liquid Telecom Kenya for the same period. Before that Ben was the CEO Liquid Telecom Kenya from Apr 2014 to Apr 2017 where he grew the companies Kenya business with double digit year on year growth, establishing Liquid Kenya as a highly respected ICT Service provider in the market.
Prior to that, he was the Group Director of Network Strategy for Liquid Telecom Group for 4 years and 6 months from November 2012 to April 2017. At Network Strategy, he grew the companies “One Africa Broadband” network, assisting with establishing new country operations and acquisitions. He also led the network strategy, architecture, integration and teams to implement the network and service layers.
He led the interaction of Liquid Group with National, Pan African and Global technical communities, including Africa Peering Forum, ISOC, IETF, ITU, ISP Associations. This activity has been subtle but instrumental in establishing Liquid as one of the leading technology companies in Africa.
Ben was also acting Managing Director – Liquid Telecom Kenya from November 2013 to Apr 2014 when he moved to Kenya in 2013, following the companies acquisition of 5 companies in East Africa specifically to lead Liquid Telecommunications Kenya as acting MD, overseeing the turnaround and transformation of Liquid Kenya.
“I would like to thank especially the OGs who have been with me on this journey, you know who you are. But also the new friends, partners and colleagues I have met along the way. Too many to name you all, but let me give a special shout out to Nic Rudnick who has been my boss and leader for most of those 22 years and to Kevin Kinnear, the godfather of our pan African fibre network, and the guy who taught me the Latin phrase ,” Ben wrote.
Before his Kenya assignment, Ben was the CTO – Group and International Networks and CTO Wholesale Voice, Satellite and Data as well as Voice Network Architect at Liquid Telecom. Ben has also worked for VOIP Tech, Clarent Corporation and Ericsson.
Locally, he was on the advisory board of Swahilipot Hub Foundation, Young Scientists Kenya, Executive CIO Leadership Programme Strathmore University and Moringa School.