Robert Thorburn

Robert Thorburn is Openreach’s partnership director for Scotland and the North of England, leading the company’s commercial and funded programmes to deliver ultrafast broadband working with partners large and small.

These currently include the £600m Reaching 100% contracts with the Scottish Government, as well as working directly with Local Authorities, Housing Associations and Managing Agents in relation to delivering access to full fibre to occupants in their buildings.

Robert manages the direct interface with a number of communities through the Fibre community Partnership programme to deliver local, co-funded ultrafast digital networks.

Robert has a 28-year career in the IT and communications sector with extensive experience in managing large scale programmes.

Robert is a member of the Openreach Scotland and North of England boards, utilising his experience to lead and manage business development and senior stakeholder engagement, including direct media engagement.