Istvan Lajtos

Defined and executed product strategy for a global IoT connectivity platform, balancing commercial priorities, customer needs, and delivery capacity. Led cross-functional teams to ship differentiated analytics, automation, and data capabilities, and managed JIRA Service Management cutting costs by 65%.

Defined and managed a 3-year product roadmap for the Infinity IoT Platform, introducing billing, SIM lifecycle management, and eSIM/eUICC Remote SIM Provisioning, leading to a 25% increase in customer adoption. Owned product backlog, sprint planning, and user stories in JIRA, and introduced Agile SCRUM, JIRA, and GitLab improving development efficiency by 30%.

Led a £9M UK Government funded 5G testbed project, working with industry leaders like Huawei, O2, and BT. Managed the rollout of a private 5G network for smart manufacturing, implementing AI driven predictive maintenance that reduced downtime by 20%.

Directed the development of a Smart City 'Experimentation as a Service' platform, integrating IoT wireless technologies. Delivered 7 EU funded R&D projects and managed strategic partnerships with Nokia, NEC, and others.

Provided consultancy services focusing on early 5G technologies such as Multi access Edge Computing solutions for large international blue-chip customers.

Led the establishment of a GSMA working group to provide thought leadership for 800+ global mobile network operators. Developed technology strategy and delivered solutions in key areas like encrypted traffic management, NFV, IoT, Cloud Services, and MEC.

Guided the evolution of HTML5 based web apps and defined SaaS/PaaS strategies for mobile operators, focusing on mobile advertising and WebRTC. Integrated Rich Communication Suite with WebRTC to enhance 5G services and presented demo to GSMA board.

Managed technical validation activities for device OEMs and led the OpenOS working group within Telefonica Group's global technical committee. Managed OEM relationships with HTC and Nokia, driving market leading Android devices and improving test quality and efficiency.

Developed and delivered Telefonica Group's mobile platform technology strategy with a focus on R&D and innovation. Led strategy for smartphone platform security across major vendors like Nokia, HTC, and Samsung.

Oversaw the device lifecycle for the O2 XDA and drove efficiency programs, including cost saving initiatives. Managed O2 XDA device lifecycle and software roadmap, and led cost saving initiatives saving €15 million on USB modems.

Responsible for devices interoperability testing, working on major accounts such as LG Electronics and Samsung tier1 vendors. Managed vendor relationship and product development for T-Mobile International's terminal manufacturers covering device integration, functional, conformance and vendor quality gate testing.

Managed the device accreditation process and training of new staff for lab testing and protocol stack evaluation. Developed 3G handsets testing scopes and specifications for Vodafone Global requirements, and delivered the first Motorola Vodafone branded flagship devices to global markets.

Technical Test and Package Leader for Ericsson Packet Switching System (SGSN 3.0 and GGSN 4.0). Managed technical projects and dealt with daily technical issues, and set up Global Software Verification project objectives for the Vodafone Group across Europe.

Certified SCRUM Master certification from Axelos in 2020.

PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation and Practitioner Certification from Axelos in 2019.

Professional Degree in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK in 2012.

Studied Telecommunication Technology Management at Tivadar Puskas Telecommunication College in Hungary, completing in 1987.