London, UK – December 18, 2024 – Innovative Operators (IO) today announces the departure of Frédéric Schepens as Chairman of its Executive Board. Schepens also CEO of Bayobab and an Executive at MTN Group, has decided to step down from his roles at IO, Bayobab, and MTN to pursue new professional opportunities. His departure for personal reasons, reflects a strong mutual respect and alignment of future aspirations.
Schepens has been a pivotal figure in steering IO towards considerable achievements in the telecommunications industry. His leadership leaves a lasting legacy of innovation, collaboration, and transformation.
Under Schepens guidance, IO has reached key milestones that have set new benchmarks in international roaming and messaging services. These include:
- Unveiling IO.15 Vision: A strategic framework revolutionizing international
roaming, focusing on seamless connectivity, enhanced customer support, personalized
plans, and world-class coverage. This vision has been a cornerstone of IO’s
commitment to a customer-centric approach. - Full Compliance with RAEX Standards: Achieving adherence to RAEX IR.21,
RAEX IOT, and OpData standards, enabling a robust and automated end-to-end
roaming environment that has enhanced efficiency, security, and customer
satisfaction. - VoLTE Roaming Advocacy: Establishing the VoLTE Roaming Lab to promote the
adoption of VoLTE Roaming, addressing the challenges of legacy system
decommissioning while ensuring optimal customer experience. - Messaging Evolution Lab Launch: Expanding into the messaging domain through
the Messaging Evolution Lab, exploring pivotal issues like fraud prevention,
authentication technologies, and the future of messaging ecosystems.
“Frédéric’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping IO’s trajectory and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration,” said Jason Bryan, Director General of IO. “His vision and dedication have laid a strong foundation for IO’s continued growth and success. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
The announcement of the new Chairperson will be made at the next IO Executive Board meeting. IO remains committed to its mission of modernising roaming and messaging services through collaboration and innovation, ensuring seamless and superior experiences for customers worldwide.
For further information, please contact:
Jason Bryan
Director General
info@innovativeoperators.io
About IO
Innovative Operators (IO) is a not-for-profit telecommunications association dedicated to transforming the roaming and messaging landscapes through innovation, collaboration, and education. By uniting Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), IO fosters a community-driven approach to enhance global connectivity and customer experience.
