Stephen Van Rooyen: A Visionary Leader in the Media and Telecommunications Industry
Stephen Van Rooyen is a name synonymous with innovation, strategic leadership, and success in the global media and telecommunications landscape. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VodafoneZiggo in the Netherlands, Van Rooyen’s career journey reflects his deep expertise in driving customer growth, product diversification, and strategic alignment in leading companies. His experience spans decades, and his leadership has consistently delivered impressive results across multiple global markets. In this article, we delve into the remarkable career and achievements of Stephen Van Rooyen, exploring his role in shaping Sky UK, his career trajectory, and his current leadership at VodafoneZiggo.
Early Life and Education
Born in South Africa, Stephen Van Rooyen’s journey into the world of business and telecommunications began in his home country. He pursued his higher education at Bond University in Australia, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Management & Strategy and a Bachelor of Laws in Corporate & Commercial Law. With a strong academic foundation, Van Rooyen embarked on a career that would later place him in high-profile leadership roles in the media and telecommunications industries.
Rising Through the Ranks at Sky UK
Stephen Van Rooyen’s tenure at Sky UK is perhaps the most defining period of his career. His journey with Sky began in 2006 when he joined the company as the Director of Product Management and Product Marketing. During his initial years, Van Rooyen demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage product portfolios across various divisions, including TV (Digital, HD, PVRs), Broadband, and Talk. His work in product marketing led to the development and successful launch of numerous products that became integral to Sky’s brand.
Becoming CEO of Sky UK
By 2011, Van Rooyen’s leadership capabilities were becoming evident, and he was promoted to Managing Director of Sales, Marketing & Brand. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing Sky’s go-to-market strategies, including customer acquisition, retention, and up-sell initiatives. He was also tasked with managing the largest advertising budget in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe. His leadership directly impacted the success of Sky’s portfolio, which included Sky HD, Sky Broadband, Sky Mobile, and many other key products.
Van Rooyen’s role continued to evolve, and in 2016, he became the Executive Vice President & CEO of Sky UK & Europe. This position saw him at the forefront of driving Sky’s commercial growth and innovation. His leadership was instrumental in launching several pivotal products, including Sky Q, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream, transforming Sky into a leader in entertainment, broadband, and mobile services.
In February 2023, after an illustrious career at Sky, Van Rooyen stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, UK & Ireland, and Group Chief Commercial Officer. During this time, he led Sky’s efforts to further strengthen its position in the media and telecommunications sector. However, in 2024, Van Rooyen made the decision to step down from Sky UK and take on a new challenge with VodafoneZiggo.
Transition to VodafoneZiggo
In September 2024, Stephen Van Rooyen took on the role of CEO at VodafoneZiggo, a major telecommunications provider in the Netherlands. This move marked a significant transition in his career, as he now leads one of the largest telecommunications companies in Europe. At VodafoneZiggo, Van Rooyen is responsible for driving the company’s growth strategy, managing its expansive product offerings, and overseeing its operational leadership across the region.
Vision for VodafoneZiggo
At VodafoneZiggo, Van Rooyen brings the same level of innovation and strategic thinking that defined his career at Sky. His expertise in navigating complex markets and fostering collaborations between diverse business units will be key to VodafoneZiggo’s continued success. As he takes on this new leadership role, Van Rooyen is expected to focus on improving customer experiences, expanding VodafoneZiggo’s product offerings, and ensuring the company remains competitive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Leadership Style and Achievements
Stephen Van Rooyen is widely regarded for his visionary leadership style. His ability to inspire and lead large teams is a testament to his dedication and passion for innovation. His tenure at Sky UK was marked by consistent customer growth, the successful rollout of new products, and a focus on delivering cutting-edge technology to enhance user experience. At VodafoneZiggo, Van Rooyen is likely to continue this trend of focusing on innovation and customer-centric strategies.
Van Rooyen’s leadership at Sky was also instrumental in expanding the company’s portfolio and establishing Sky as a leader in broadband and entertainment services. Under his guidance, Sky was able to diversify its offerings with Sky Mobile and Sky Q, while also positioning itself as a key player in the OTT (over-the-top) market with Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
Age and Personal Life
As of 2025, Stephen Van Rooyen is 55 years old. Despite his high-profile career, Van Rooyen has kept his personal life relatively private, focusing primarily on his professional achievements and responsibilities. His upbringing in South Africa and his academic background in law and management have shaped his approach to leadership, making him a well-rounded and strategic executive.
Conclusion
Stephen Van Rooyen’s career trajectory is a remarkable testament to the power of strategic leadership and innovation in the media and telecommunications industries. From his early roles at Sky UK to his current position as CEO of VodafoneZiggo, Van Rooyen has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead organizations through significant transformation, driving growth and ensuring that companies remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. His vision for the future of VodafoneZiggo, combined with his vast experience in the telecommunications and media sectors, positions him as one of the most influential leaders in the industry today.
As he continues to shape the future of telecommunications in Europe, Stephen Van Rooyen’s legacy as a transformative leader is firmly established. His impact on Sky UK and his potential to revolutionize VodafoneZiggo highlights the importance of visionary leadership in driving success in the digital age. With a keen eye for customer needs and a passion for innovation, Van Rooyen is sure to leave an indelible mark on the global telecommunications industry for years to come.
