Patricia Cobian

Since orchestrating the megamerger of Virgin Media and O2 in 2021, Patricia has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the UK’s second-largest telecommunications company.

The only female CFO at a major UK telco, Patricia played a pivotal role in the integration of the two companies, leading negotiations for strategically significant initiatives such as securing a sizeable spectrum package from merging competitors and overseeing the acquisition of altnet provider, Upp.

Under her exceptional leadership, the business has consistently achieved strong financial results, including billions of pounds of Free Cash Flow generation. This is alongside overseeing a complex capital expenditure programme in networks and services.

A driving force for positive change, Patricia’s a passionate supporter of DE&I initiatives in the business including sponsoring its senior leaders’ women’s network, mentoring younger employees and supporting charitable causes. Most notably, her decade-long involvement with the British Red Cross where she served as Tiffany Circle co-chair.

Outside of her company position, she’s been on the board of Telefonica Deutschland and CTIL.