Stephen van Rooyen: The Visionary CEO Driving VodafoneZiggo’s Digital Future
Who Is Stephen van Rooyen?
Stephen van Rooyen is a renowned business leader known for his remarkable contributions to the telecommunications and media industries. Born in April 1973 in South Africa, he has become one of the most influential executives in Europe’s media and technology sectors. As of 2025, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VodafoneZiggo, one of the Netherlands’ leading telecommunications and media companies.
With over two decades of experience spanning strategy, marketing, and innovation, Stephen’s leadership style reflects adaptability, foresight, and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour in the digital age. His journey from Sky UK to VodafoneZiggo illustrates a career defined by transformation, product excellence, and a passion for driving growth in competitive markets.
Early Life and Education of Stephen van Rooyen
Stephen van Rooyen’s South African Roots
Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Stephen grew up during the apartheid era, an experience that shaped his worldview on fairness, opportunity, and communication. His upbringing in South Africa instilled in him a global perspective and an appreciation for diversity — values that continue to influence his leadership approach.
Academic Background
Stephen van Rooyen pursued higher education in Australia, attending Bond University on the Gold Coast. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Corporate and Commercial Law between 1991 and 1994.
Later, he completed advanced management studies at The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) from 2006 to 2009, further sharpening his executive and strategic decision-making skills. His academic foundation blends law, business strategy, and leadership — a trio that underpins his professional success.
Career Journey: From Consultancy to Corporate Leadership
Early Career at Accenture and News International
Stephen began his career at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in 1995, where he developed his expertise in strategy, business transformation, and client engagement. After several years, he transitioned to News International (now News UK), taking on the role of Director of Business Development from 1999 to 2003. Here, he was instrumental in driving digital transformation initiatives for major media outlets.
Strategic Roles at Virgin Media and Nokia
Between 2004 and 2006, he joined Virgin Media as Director of Strategy and Planning, where he worked on expanding the company’s broadband and digital TV services. He also briefly consulted for Nokia, contributing to early mobile innovation projects that shaped the future of telecommunications.
Sky Era: Shaping the Future of Entertainment
Climbing the Corporate Ladder at Sky
Stephen van Rooyen joined Sky in 2006 as Director of Product Management and Product Marketing, overseeing digital, HD, and broadband product strategies. His sharp commercial insight and leadership quickly earned him promotions through the ranks:
-
Managing Director of Sales, Marketing & Brand (2011–2014)
-
Chief Marketing & Digital Officer (2014–2016)
-
Executive Vice President & CEO, UK & Europe (2016–2023)
-
Group Chief Commercial Officer & CEO, UK & Ireland (2023–2024)
Under his leadership, Sky achieved record-breaking customer growth and pioneered innovative products that revolutionised home entertainment.
Key Innovations Led by Stephen van Rooyen
During his tenure, Stephen spearheaded the launch of several landmark Sky products and services:
-
Sky Q – a next-generation TV experience integrating apps, on-demand, and multi-screen technology.
-
Sky Mobile – Sky’s entry into mobile telecommunications.
-
Sky Broadband & Sky Fibre – expanding high-speed internet across the UK and Ireland.
-
NOW TV – the company’s over-the-top streaming platform, now known as NOW.
-
Sky Glass and Sky Stream – the first internet-connected televisions and streaming devices that merged content and connectivity.
His ability to integrate innovation with customer experience transformed Sky into a holistic digital ecosystem — not just a broadcaster, but a technology powerhouse.
Leadership at VodafoneZiggo
Stephen van Rooyen’s New Chapter in the Netherlands
In May 2024, Stephen van Rooyen was officially appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of VodafoneZiggo, assuming the role in September 2024. VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture between Vodafone Group and Liberty Global, operates as one of the Netherlands’ top telecom and media companies, serving millions of households with broadband, mobile, and TV services.
As CEO, Stephen’s focus is on digital transformation, service innovation, and customer-centric growth. His move signifies a strategic shift for VodafoneZiggo — merging the best of telecommunications and media innovation, a combination he mastered at Sky.
Vision and Strategy at VodafoneZiggo
Stephen’s leadership is characterised by:
-
Accelerating 5G and fibre broadband deployment across the Netherlands.
-
Strengthening customer experience through AI and data-driven insights.
-
Enhancing sustainability and digital inclusion, ensuring connectivity reaches all communities.
-
Driving product convergence, blending media, internet, and mobile into seamless experiences.
His tenure is expected to redefine VodafoneZiggo’s position in the European telecom market, positioning it as a future-ready digital services leader.
Stephen van Rooyen Net Worth and Salary
Although Stephen van Rooyen’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed, industry estimates suggest that executives of his calibre — with roles at Sky and VodafoneZiggo — typically earn multimillion-pound compensation packages annually.
His salary at Sky reportedly included significant bonuses and equity-based rewards, aligning his performance with company growth. As CEO of VodafoneZiggo, his remuneration likely mirrors that of European telecom leaders, estimated between £2 million and £5 million annually, inclusive of salary, bonuses, and share incentives.
Given his extensive tenure at Sky and his current executive position, his net worth is likely within the £10–15 million range, though precise figures remain private.
Stephen van Rooyen’s Age and Personal Life
Born in April 1973, Stephen van Rooyen’s age is approximately 52 years old (as of 2025). Despite his high-profile career, he maintains a private personal life.
He is married to Kathryn van Rooyen, and the couple has been seen attending various high-profile events together, including the Riviera Season Two Premiere at Saatchi Gallery in London. The Getty Images caption from that event publicly identified them as a couple.
Stephen’s discreet lifestyle and avoidance of social media reflect his professional focus and preference for privacy.
Stephen van Rooyen and South Africa
Though he built his career in the UK and Europe, Stephen often acknowledges his South African heritage. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa shaped his values around fairness, inclusion, and the transformative power of communication.
His early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for media freedom — a belief that continues to influence his decisions in shaping open and innovative digital communication platforms.
Stephen van Rooyen on Wikipedia and Public Presence
Interestingly, Stephen van Rooyen does not yet have a dedicated Wikipedia page, despite his prominence in global business circles. However, his professional background is well-documented across corporate and media publications, including VodafoneZiggo, Liberty Global, Marketing Week, and Bond University profiles.
His career trajectory from South African origins to one of Europe’s top telecom executives is a testament to persistence, innovation, and global leadership excellence.
Stephen van Rooyen’s Leadership Philosophy
Stephen’s approach to leadership is rooted in clarity, accountability, and customer value. He often emphasises:
-
“Knowing what you want to do and why.”
-
Encouraging teams to focus on measurable impact rather than corporate rhetoric.
-
Leading with empathy while maintaining performance excellence.
This combination of vision and discipline has earned him widespread respect within both the media and telecommunications industries.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Stephen van Rooyen
Stephen van Rooyen exemplifies modern leadership in a digital-first era. From his early roots in South Africa to becoming a global executive across Sky and VodafoneZiggo, his journey showcases resilience, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering focus on innovation.
His achievements — from Sky Glass to VodafoneZiggo’s next-gen transformation — have cemented his reputation as one of the most forward-thinking leaders in European telecoms and media.
As he continues to shape VodafoneZiggo’s future, Stephen van Rooyen’s influence extends beyond corporate strategy — he represents the spirit of adaptation, innovation, and excellence in leadership that defines 21st-century business success.
FAQs
1. Who is Stephen van Rooyen?
Stephen van Rooyen is a South African-born British business executive and the current Chief Executive Officer of VodafoneZiggo, the Netherlands-based telecom and media company. He is best known for his 18-year career at Sky, where he led major innovations like Sky Q, Sky Glass, and NOW TV.
2. What is Stephen van Rooyen’s net worth?
While his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, industry estimates suggest that Stephen van Rooyen’s net worth ranges between £10 million and £15 million, based on his executive roles, bonuses, and share-based earnings across Sky and VodafoneZiggo.
3. How old is Stephen van Rooyen?
Stephen van Rooyen was born in April 1973, making him approximately 52 years old as of 2025.
4. Is Stephen van Rooyen married?
Yes. Stephen van Rooyen is married to Kathryn van Rooyen. The couple has made public appearances together at events, such as the Riviera Season Two Premiere at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
5. What is Stephen van Rooyen’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management & Strategy and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Bond University, Australia, along with executive education from The Wharton School in the United States.
