John Harrison Email Address

Head of Finance, Information Technology and Networks and Cross Corporate Costs

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets. The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK.

I get a kick out of solving financial problems, love building brilliant teams and working towards a better world. At EY I served clients worldwide - financial services, oil & gas, charities, retail and luxury goods. Moving into telecoms &media, I ran finance for rapid growth companies involving M&A, joint ventures and post-acquisition integration and change projects. My most recent role focused on transforming post-privatisation National Air Traffic Services, heading up a £1.2bn investment programme involving award-winning complex infrastructure and technology projects. I'm passionate about improving results and driving businesses to reach goals. I've built fantastic finance teams, guiding, coaching and mentoring people who become recognised for their capability. I set the agenda for what the finance department should do, how it should be structured, resourced and led: I'm recognised by business leaders for strategic financial and commercial advice: I manage risks that emerge from business operations, developing tight controls; and I build strong relationships in executive teams using experience gained across international boundaries. My strengths are in improving business results, driving change into organisations, and using resources for best effect. Highlights include: • Leading finance for award winning projects such as new Air Traffic Controller Tools, the Radar Replacement Programme, and the new Scottish ATC Centre • Successful support for M&A activity at CompuServe for completion of the JV • Achieving £20m bottom line P&L improvement at NATS through tighter cost controls and improved time capture • Lean 6 Sigma enhanced cost optimisation processes - led to £30m savings over 3 years • Transforming finance into modern, high performing teams - fewer but greater Keywords: FD, Finance Director, CFO, Head of Finance, Project Finance, Major Projects, Capital Projects, FP&A, Financial Planning, IFRS, US GAAP, Ernst & Young, Executive, SAP, SORP, Government