FDM CCS Insight Appoints John Milliken as CEO for AI Push

Telecoms market intelligence firm FDM CCS Insight has appointed John Milliken as CEO to drive the company's AI strategy and market expansion.

The appointment comes as the company seeks to embed AI technologies into its data analytics and consulting offerings for the telecommunications sector.

John joins from financial data firm Defaqto, where he served as CEO for five years and doubled the size of the business.

His appointment coincides with a strategic transition that sees former CEO Shaun Collins move into a new role as President, where he will focus on senior industry relationships as a non-executive board member.

Three decades in software and data

John brings nearly 30 years of experience leading international software and data businesses.

His career spans roles at major telecommunications operators including O2, global mobile payments company Monitise and Cambridge-based speech recognition and AI firm Speechmatics. 

The breadth of his background in product development, AI deployment and M&A aligns with FDM CCS Insight's expansion plans.

The company, backed by private equity firm Inflexion, provides point-of-sale datasets and analyst insights that help telecommunications clients understand market share, brand performance and product portfolio optimisation. 

Following the acquisition and integration of CCS Insight into FDM in August 2025, the combined entity has been working to strengthen its market position.

Continuity of client relationships

Shaun’s transition to President ensures continuity of the senior-level relationships he has cultivated across the global telecommunications industry. 

As a non-executive board member and adviser, he will concentrate on expanding the business's client partnerships while John focuses on operational growth and product development.

"I am delighted to welcome John to FDM CCS Insight,” says Shaun. “His track record of scaling data businesses through robust product innovation and M&A makes him the ideal leader for this next chapter. 

“Bringing FDM and CCS Insight together has been an exciting challenge, and I look forward to continuing to support the team in my new role as President and non-executive board member."

AI integration and acquisition strategy

The company plans to expand its customer base, accelerate product lifecycles and evaluate additional strategic acquisitions to support market share growth. 

FDM CCS Insight is working to enhance the commercial value it delivers through what it describes as mission-critical products, advanced analytics and strategic consulting capabilities.

"Data is the defining asset of the modern telecoms landscape, and FDM CCS Insight is uniquely positioned at its centre,” John adds.

“Given the company's ambitions to deliver even greater value to clients through industry-leading data, comprehensive software platforms and AI, I am excited to join the company as it embarks on its next phase of growth."