B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) has appointed a new chief executive officer.

The appointment of Tom Rigg as the new CEO comes as Michael Lee announces that he will be stepping down.

Mr Lee will continue to be part of B4RN's Board of Directors as well as a chief strategy officer.

Mr Rigg has been with B4RN since the company was first founded in 2012 and has served as chief operating officer since 2018.

Mr Rigg said: "I am incredibly honoured and truly proud to take on the role of CEO for B4RN.

"My dedication to this role comes from an inherent desire to bring connectivity and associated support into deeply rural regions, witnessing the transformation difference digital inclusion can make to individuals, families and communities.

"Now is an exciting time for B4RN, having successfully delivered our 400Gbps HALO backbone network across the North of England, all our communities have access to next-generation, low latency, high capacity and resilient internet service."

He stated that the company's significant delivery plans in the North East will see them take their sustainable service deeper into the rural countryside while connecting some of the most remote parts of the country.

He said: "I stand by our mission, and I look forward to continuing our work with all our communities as we deliver against it."

Mr Lee is stepping down from the CEO role as he and his family relocate outside the UK.

He said: "B4RN really is something special, and I am immensely proud of everything that we have achieved over the last three and a half years.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise the talented and dedicated staff, volunteers, contractors, shareholders, and landowners, who do truly astonishing things every single day, not for thanks or applause, but because of a deeply held belief in what B4RN is and the benefits that we deliver."

Mr Lee stated that he joined B4RN not just at a critical point in its growth journey, but also during a time of significant turbulence across the wider industry.

He said: "I believe that not only have we successfully charted a course through this turbulence, enabling B4RN to thrive whilst staying true to its founding principles, but that, in addition, we have had a positive impact on the shape of the industry environment around us."

He added that he believes that the UK fibre landscape is a better place because B4RN is part of it.

The organisation stated that this is an exciting time for B4RN with Mr Rigg set to lead the organisation through ambitious expansion plans.

Chris Carr, chairman of the board, said: "I speak for all the directors of B4RN in thanking Michael for everything he has achieved during his period as the chief executive of B4RN.

"He has been an outstanding CEO who has occupied the role with great distinction.

"Although his change of family circumstances means that Michael has decided to step down as CEO, the Board is delighted that he will continue his relationship with B4RN as its chief strategy officer."

He further added that Mr Riggs has been involved with B4RN from its earliest days and that he is well-known in the industry for the innovative approach which he has spearheaded in that capacity.