Telenet Announces Leadership Changes
Key Highlights
- ➤Rocío Lorenzo becomes Telenet CEO on November 2, 2026
- ➤John Porter steps down after 13 years leading Telenet
- ➤Porter remains Telenet advisor through year-end and Wyre chairman
- ➤Ziggo Group plans Euronext Amsterdam listing in mid-2027
- ➤Ziggo Group combines Telenet and VodafoneZiggo with 13 million customers
Expert Statements
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“John has been a tremendous leader at Liberty Global and a great friend for more than three decades.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“At both AUSTAR and Telenet he brought that rare combination of entrepreneurial drive and operational excellence.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“He leaves Telenet a strong digital-first business that is exceptionally well positioned for its future as part of Ziggo Group.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“We all wish John the best in whatever he does next, and I take great comfort in knowing that he will always remain a champion of Liberty Global and trusted friend and advisor.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“I am also delighted to welcome Rocío as the incoming CEO of Telenet.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“I have known and worked with Rocío for over a decade and as Chairman of Liberty Latin America I’ve watched her grow into a fantastic leader and CEO in the region.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“Rocío brings deep telecoms expertise, hands-on leadership and a track record of turning strategy into results.”
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global
“She is ideally placed to lead Telenet into its next chapter.”
John Porter, CEO of Telenet
“It has been a privilege to lead Telenet and work alongside talented colleagues who have helped transform the company while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that has always defined us.”
John Porter, CEO of Telenet
“As Telenet begins a new chapter as part of Ziggo Group, I feel the time is right to spend more time with my family in Australia.”
John Porter, CEO of Telenet
“I am especially pleased to be handing over to Rocío Lorenzo.”
John Porter, CEO of Telenet
“Having worked closely with her during some of Telenet’s most important transformation programmes, I am confident she has the leadership, insight and experience to guide the business through its next phase of growth.”
Rocío Lorenzo, Incoming CEO of Telenet
“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to lead Telenet and work alongside such a talented team within the broader Liberty footprint.”
Rocío Lorenzo, Incoming CEO of Telenet
“This is a company at the leading edge of innovation, with a tremendous opportunity to build on the strong foundation already in place and bring faster, better, and more reliable connectivity to even more people.”
Rocío Lorenzo, Incoming CEO of Telenet
“I can’t wait to get started, spend time with our teams and customers, and work together to deliver great experiences and create value for all our stakeholders.”
Stephen van Rooyen, CEO of Ziggo Group
“With over 20 years of international experience as a recognized telecom expert who also knows the local market in Belgium, I’m confident Rocío Lorenzo will lead Telenet into its next chapter as we build the Benelux connectivity champion.”
DENVER and MECHELEN, Belgium, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- * Longstanding CEO, John Porter, to step down after more than 30 years with Liberty Global and 13 years leading Telenet * Rocío Lorenzo to become CEO on November 2(nd), 2026 Liberty Global (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) today announced leadership changes at its newly-formed Ziggo Group operating subsidiary in the Benelux region. After more than 30 years with Liberty, including 13 years in Belgium, John Porter has decided to step down from the CEO role at Telenet.
John joined Liberty Global in 1994 to help build its Australian start-up business, AUSTAR, where he ultimately became CEO and led the company from 1999 to 2012. AUSTAR was sold to Foxtel in 2012 after which John became CEO of Telenet. Over the past 13 years, he and his team have transformed Telenet from a traditional Flemish cable operator into one of Belgium’s leading data-driven, digital-first telecoms, media and entertainment businesses. Strategic milestones included the acquisition of BASE, the creation of Play Media and the launch of the network infrastructure company Wyre. He was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame in 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the industry, and will remain as an advisor to Telenet through year-end and Chairman of Wyre.
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