Ninder Johal takes on WM5G role
West Midlands 5G Limited (WM5G), a new organisation set up to deliver the UK’s first region-wide 5G testbed, has appointed Ninder Johal, a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, as a non-executive director.
The next generation of mobile technology recently arrived in the UK following the launch of 5G services from leading Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). WM5G’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks and test, prove and scale new 5G services across the West Midlands. The company is part of the DCMS 5G Test Beds and Trials Programme.
Johal is the owner of The Nachural Group, specialising in B2B events and media production. He is an experienced managing director and board level director with an MBA in finance and marketing from Aston University. He sits on the board of both the West Midlands Growth Company and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.
Johal is active in the West Midlands business community and is widely recognised for his work for the region. He is interested in how WM5G will deliver citizen, public and private sector benefits across the healthcare, manufacturing and construction industries.
Johal said: “To be a member of the board responsible for the West Midlands’ roll-out of superfast 5G technology is a great honour. I have a strong and relentless desire to make a difference to the people and businesses of the West Midlands and will take great pride in my role as a 5G ambassador.”
Igor Leprince, chair of the WM5G board, added: “Ninder has the personal gravitas and necessary entrepreneurial leadership to greatly benefit our organisation. His experience will be vital to ensuring that WM5G is a success and brings the desired opportunity and improvement to the West Midlands through the endless possibilities of 5G.”
As part of a multi-million-pound project, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has set up WM5G to develop the UK’s first region-wide testbed for new 5G applications and services at scale.
WM5G’s initial focus has been on the deployment of the necessary infrastructure required for 5G services. The company is now working closely with manufacturers, SMEs, universities and hospitals across the region on new 5G applications that will help drive economic growth and make a real and positive difference to the people and businesses of the West Midlands.
