Building the future of the internet through investment in people

For more than 30 years, the London Internet Exchange (LINX) has played a vital role in global digital infrastructure. As CEO Jennifer Holmes explains, LINX provides platforms that enable networks around the world to connect and exchange data. The organisation provides the infrastructure that allows hundreds of networks to work together more efficiently.

We're a membership-owned organisation with over 900 members from more than 80 countries worldwide.

Jennifer Holmes CEO, London Internet Exchange

Technology may be the company's foundation, but its leaders are clear that people are what drive its success. Network Operations Centre (NOC) Manager Sion Hopes describes LINX as an organisation that achieves a remarkable amount with a relatively small workforce by investing in its people and helping them grow throughout their careers.

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Creating a learning culture

That commitment to development is embedded across the business. Holmes says every employee is encouraged to have a learning journey, whether that means pursuing degree-level education, learning a new skill or preparing for leadership responsibilities.

HR Manager Neana Singh explains that conversations about learning and development begin during onboarding and continue through regular appraisals. The company actively encourages employees to discuss where they want their careers to go and what support they need to get there. The goal, she says, is to create a culture where continuous learning is simply part of working at LINX.

For employees, that support translates into genuine opportunities for progression. Dimitri Loizou joined LINX ten years ago without a university degree after working in retail. Today, he is a Senior NOC Engineer, having steadily progressed through the organisation while building new technical skills along the way.

Learning that delivers immediate impact

One reason LINX values and sponsors higher education is that employees can apply what they learn directly to their roles.

After moving into management, Hopes realised technical expertise alone wasn't enough. He wanted a broader understanding of leadership, finance and business operations, leading him to enrol on The Open University's (OU) Business Management BA. Modules in areas such as finance have already helped him better understand the business decisions being made around him and participate more effectively in leadership meetings.

Richard Longman, Head of the OU Business School, explained: “We want to deliver learning that transforms businesses and organisations at the same time that the students are studying them.”

Loizou's experience has been equally practical and valuable. Studying for a BSc in Computing and IT has strengthened his understanding of networking, coding and subnetting, all of which directly support his day-to-day responsibilities and future career ambitions.

Holmes says one of the most rewarding aspects of supporting staff development is seeing employees return from their studies energised, motivated and eager to share new ideas with colleagues.

What's really great is when people come back from these courses with this burst of energy and enthusiasm, motivation, bringing that back into the company.

Jennifer Holmes CEO, London Internet Exchange

Why The Open University?

For LINX, The Open University provides a flexible route to degree-level learning that fits around demanding careers. Richard Longman says students can study without relocating, taking a career break or putting their lives on hold.

Singh added: “People learn in different ways. But I think having online flexibility is key. People are busy with work. People are busy with life. So, having that good balance that people can manage that around their work and their life is the way they want to learn and a really good way of learning.”

LINX - Sion

That flexibility is a major factor for LINX employees on OU courses. Hopes says a traditional university model would have been impossible alongside managing a busy team, while Loizou's rotating 12-hour shift pattern makes online learning a far more realistic option. The ability to study around work commitments allows them to continue developing professionally while remaining fully engaged in their roles.

For LINX, the benefits extend beyond qualifications. The team is building high-level skills while driving retention and career development. The future is bright as more employees discover what opportunities could be available within the company.