ITS Backs Record-Breaking Pacific Row in Support of The Lewis Moody Foundation

ITS is proud to sponsor one of 2025’s most ambitious endurance expeditions – a world record attempt to row the Pacific Ocean, led by our Chairman, Kevin Gaskell.

On 8th June 2025, Kevin and the Ocean5 crew will set off from Monterey, California, in a bid to break the current world record for rowing the Pacific Ocean to Hanalei, Kauai. The 2,800-nautical-mile route will test the team’s limits as they target a crossing time of just 45 days, with the current record being 52.

At 66 years old, Kevin is set to become the oldest person to row the Pacific. The Ocean5 crew includes Kevin’s son, Matt Gaskell, alongside Tom Higham, Patrick Deacon, and Stephen Greenan. Together, the five-man team will face 30-foot waves, sleep deprivation, and the burning of up to 6,000 calories each per day, while living aboard the carbon-fibre vessel Lady Jane II.

This challenge isn’t just about breaking records. ITS’ sponsorship will directly support The Lewis Moody Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of families affected by brain tumours. The Foundation works closely with The Brain Tumour Charity to fund critical support services, pioneering research, and awareness campaigns. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under-40s, yet receive less than 3% of cancer research funding.

Speaking about his upcoming challenge, Kevin Gaskell commented:

“This is more than just an expedition—it’s an opportunity to raise vital funds and awareness for a cause that makes a real difference. At 66, I want to prove that we can continue to break boundaries, lead with purpose, and make an impact, no matter our age.”

As a key sponsor, ITS is proud to support the Ocean5 team in their mission to raise over £50,000 for The Lewis Moody Foundation.

We’re looking forward to following Kevin and Ocean5 as they embark on this historic journey. Keep an eye on the ITS LinkedIn page for regular updates and follow the team’s JustGiving page to track their progress and support the cause.

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
Email
Dave Ferry
Chief Sales Officer

As Chief Sales Officer, Dave leads the sales strategy at ITS, driving growth and strengthening customer relationships. Overseeing commercial success across Partner Markets, Public Sector and Major Business, Dave uses his 20 years of telecoms experience to build high-performing teams and deliver innovative solutions that meet market demands.

Previously, Dave held senior roles at Virgin Media Business, leading successful teams in various market segments.

Kevin McNulty
Strategy Director

Kevin leads the Strategy team in ITS, comprising the core functions of network Investment (including M&A), regulation, public affairs, product management and marketing. With over 4 years’ experience within the leadership team of ITS, Kevin has played a pivotal role in shaping the business direction as it has grown to be a leading provider of B2B wholesale connectivity.

Prior to ITS, Kevin has a long background in the industry, having held senior positions in BT, Virgin Media, KCOM and NTT – as well as a period spent in consultancy.

Claire Davies
People & Culture Director

Claire is the People and Culture Director for ITS, responsible for ensuring we provide a great place to work, with amazing people who are happy, productive, and engaged.

A CIPD qualified HR professional with previous industry experience at Amey, as well as more recent experience in a number of small businesses, Claire is passionate about putting people first in order to grow the business.

Mike Goodwin
Chief Technology Officer

Mike is responsible for all technical, operations, customer service and security within ITS. Using his degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and MBA from Manchester Business School, Mike focuses on how ITS can introduce and support complex solutions designed to create customer-focused teams that ensure exceptional experience. On top of his extensive career history spanning TalkTalk, Hyperoptic and Fibre Nation, Mike is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IET.

Charlie Versi
Chief Operating Officer

Charlie leads ITS’s end-to-end operational delivery, with a focus on service excellence and delivering an outstanding experience for both partners and their business customers. His appointment will help build on the company’s strong foundations – driving transformation, quality, and innovation and using them as key enablers of continued growth.

Daren Baythorpe
Chief Executive Officer

Daren is a dynamic leader who drives the strategy, growth and direction of ITS. Daren has significant utility / telecoms sector experience and has held several board-level leadership and advisory positions for a number of organisations including Severn Trent Water and BT. He served on the Board of Openreach, where he held executive responsibilities as Director of the Customer Service Division, Director for Field Engineering then latterly serving as Managing Director of the Business Division.

Daren also regularly advises and collaborates with government and other regulatory / telecoms bodies on sector-related issues. His in-depth knowledge and understanding of the requirements of operators and high capacity data users, through his vast experience across the industry, mean that ITS is thriving under his leadership

Kevin Gaskell
Chairman

Kevin leads our board and is responsible for giving strategic advice and counsel, as well as attracting and driving investment. Kevin is recognised as one of the most successful leaders of his generation, having led iconic brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini and BMW. A highly experienced serial entrepreneur and private equity chairman, he has led multi-billion-pound global organisations; and also founded startups such as Epyx Limited, building it up to become the market leader for automotive e-commerce solutions.

Kevin has received multiple accolades; highlights include making the ‘UK’s top 40 leaders under 40’ list, chairing the ‘best UK private equity investment of the year’, and being a founder of award-winning start-up companies across the globe.