Cellhire, the leading global provider of IoT, mobile, and data connectivity solutions, has announced the appointment of Royston Hoggarth as its new Chairman. Hoggarth succeeds Tim Williams, who founded the company in 1987 and will now take on the role of Non-Executive Director.
In his new role, Hoggarth will oversee Cellhire’s future strategic direction as it continues to expand its global reach. Under the leadership of Williams, Cellhire grew from a small UK-based operation offering short-term mobile phone rentals to a global player in the IoT and mobile connectivity sectors. The company’s services now span multiple industries, including travel, enterprise, and IoT solutions, and it maintains strong partnerships with major network operators such as Vodafone, O2, Verizon, and Orange, of which Cellhire is a Full MVNO.
Hoggarth, who brings with him a wealth of experience in the technology and communications industries, praised Williams for his visionary leadership. “Tim built Cellhire into a global brand recognised worldwide for supporting major international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and the Olympics. His dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional leadership skills have been the cornerstone of Cellhire’s success, setting a strong foundation for future growth,” Hoggarth said.
Founded in 1987, Cellhire started by filling a gap in the market for affordable, short-term mobile phone rentals in the UK. As demand for mobile connectivity grew, the company expanded, eventually becoming a key provider of IoT solutions across the US, Europe, and Asia. Under Williams’ leadership, Cellhire also played a vital role in providing connectivity to over 1,500 NHS England COVID-19 vaccination centres during the pandemic, further cementing its reputation as a leader in mobile and IoT solutions.
Williams reflected on Cellhire’s achievements, saying, “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past 38 years, growing Cellhire into a globally recognised business. From receiving the Queen’s Award for International Enterprise to delivering essential connectivity during the pandemic, we’ve made significant strides. Royston is the ideal person to lead the company into the future, with his extensive experience and strategic vision.”
Hoggarth’s career spans several leadership roles, including his time as CEO of Arkessa, an IoT operator sold in 2020 for £105 million. His experience also includes senior positions at private equity-backed companies such as Northgate Public Services and the Innovation Group. Outside of his professional career in tech, Hoggarth has made significant contributions to sports, having served as Chair of England and GB Hockey until 2024.
Cellhire recently made headlines with the appointment of Tony Guerion, former Vodafone IoT Head of Sales, as Group CEO in January 2024. Under Guerion’s leadership, the company saw record highs in IoT revenues and managed the largest connectivity project in its history for the Paris Summer Games 2024, marking a major milestone for Cellhire.
Looking ahead, Cellhire is focused on expanding its IoT offerings, and with Royston Hoggarth now at the helm, the company is poised to continue its growth as a key player in the global connectivity market.
