Ciaran Murphy, COO Promotion Interview

Can you share a little about your journey with KTL? How long have you been with the company? Tell us about the path that led to your current role?

I am with KTL for 18 years; I joined on September 5th, 2005. I joined as a senior project manager in Ireland running several telecoms projects, and after two years was promoted to director.

In 2012, after seven years, I relocated to the UK to serve as the UK Operations Director, responsible for establishing a new office in Milton Keynes. Since then, we have steadily expanded our presence in the UK market. Now, as I step into the role of COO, I am excited about the new challenges and responsibilities it brings.

What specific skills or qualities do you believe played a significant role in your promotion, and how have you developed or honed those skills over the years?

Hard work, perseverance and a having a strong management team has played a significant part in my promotion. I have gained valuable insights from every project we've undertaken, and I've carried that knowledge and experience with me throughout my career.

How has KTL supported your growth and development?

KTL has been very supportive throughout my career. Not every project has gone swimmingly, and KTL has been supportive through all the ups and more importantly the downs and been there to offer advice and give all the help needed when the chips were down. I have been fortunate to receive excellent opportunities for growth and development within the company, starting with my directorship, followed by the role of UK Operations Director, and now advancing into the position of Chief Operating Officer.

As you transition into your new role, what are some of the key responsibilities?

As I transition, my key responsibilities will include taking on a more strategic role in various projects and re-entering the power sector, which I am looking forward to. Additionally, I haven't been involved in the Irish telecoms market for over a decade so my focus will be on gaining a deep understanding of that market. Of course, I will also continue to oversee our ongoing business-as-usual projects.

What advice do you have for other employees who aspire to grow and advance within KTL?

I would say that there are excellent opportunities within KTL for those who want to progress and are willing to show initiative and hard work to get there. KTL look out for and recognise candidates for growth within the company and will invest in and support continuous professional development for those wishing to advance.

Can you share any memorable experiences or projects from your previous position that have helped shape your journey with KTL?

There are many over the years, but if I was to single out a few:

• My first role with KTL was on the ESBT project and I have wonderful memories of undertaking works on some of the most beautiful locations all over Ireland. Having worked abroad for several years before coming back to Ireland, it made me appreciate what we have on our doorstep, whilst also working on a challenging structure upgrade programme.

• The TETRA project in Ireland was a very demanding and rewarding project and as project director, I had overall responsibility for its delivery.

• Starting our first telecoms project in the UK in May 2012, which was the 2G/4G Huawei upgrade on the EE network and opening our first office in Milton Keynes.

• We started with Vodafone as a direct partner in January 2015 and it was a key milestone and instrumental to our growth in the UK. Since then, we’ve worked with BT/EE, MBNL and will be soon working with Cornerstone.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future, and how does this promotion align with those ambitions?

My goal is to advance KTL's growth in strategically targeted areas aligned with our business objectives, all while prioritising safety, profitability, and meeting our clients' requirements.