Hans Snook Executive of a wireless paging business (which subsequently became part of the Hutchison Whampoa Group). In 1992 Snook was despatched to the UK and closed Hutchison's Rabbit phone system; and instead turned efforts to developing the UK's fourth mobile phone network. On April 28, 1994 Orange was launched. Within five years Orange had developed an enviable reputation as well as a growing international presence. Mannesmann of Germany purchased Orange Plc, in a failed attempt to challenge Vodafone as the World's leading mobile phone company. This set off a chain of events which resulted in France Télécom taking ownership of Orange,
John Roberts (British businessman) John Roberts (British businessman) John Roberts (born 1973/1974) is a British businessman. He is the founder and former CEO of AO World, an online retailer specialising in electrical goods. Roberts grew up in Bolton. He went to Bolton School, and earned eight GCSEs, but failed his A levels in maths, geography and economics. Roberts started his career as a kitchen salesman. In 1999 or 2000, he founded Appliances Online, after a friend bet him £1 to set up a business. In October 2014, his net worth was estimated at £300 million. In February 2017, he stood down as CEO of