Ashley Highfield

Ashley is the Founder of LocalEyes Limited, a Google-backed Advertising Technology start-up in partnership with media agency Mediaforce.

Ashley is founder of Henley Partners Limited, his vehicle for investing in and providing consultancy to the telecoms, media, and technology sectors. He is Chairman of Oyster Yachts Limited, British manufacturers of the world’s finest blue-water sailing yachts.

Prior to going plural at the start of 2018, Ashley was CEO of one of the largest local media groups in the UK. Before that he was UK MD of Microsoft – and before that worked at the BBC, where, as executive board director for New Media & Technology, he was responsible for the development and launch of BBC iPlayer, BBC Online, and the BBC’s technology portfolio.

He has advised on four Government review panels, has been Chairman of industry body News Media Association, and previously served as non-executive director on a number of boards including William Hill plc and the British Film Institute. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of a number of organisations including the Royal Television Society.