Matthew Riley
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
Chairman
London, GB
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
THE MARQUE
In Their Own Right
Biography
Matthew Riley is the Chairman of O2 Daisy, a leading provider of integrated business communications and IT solutions in the UK, serving a wide client base, from small offices and SMEs to public sector organisations. He was the Founder and Executive Chairman of Daisy Group, which merged with Virgin Media O2 Business in August 2025, forming O2 daisy to create a major force in UK business communications, under Matthew’s leadership.
Serving hundreds of thousands of customers, O2 daisy leverages Daisy’s end-to-end IT and sales platforms and award-winning service with Virgin Media O2’s next-gen fibre and mobile infrastructure. Together, they deliver a comprehensive solution for the evolving needs of UK organisations.
Having left school at 16, Matthew founded Daisy in 2001. Headquartered in Nelson, Lancashire, he grew it from a start-up into a telecom leader. In 2007, he received Ernst & Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the NatWest Business of the Year award.
Under his leadership, Daisy completed over 50 acquisitions, listed on AIM in 2009, and returned to private ownership in 2015. In 2018, Matthew led Daisy’s £1.6bn acquisition by a consortium, resuming his role as Chairman to shape its long-term strategy.
Matthew has also shared his insights in various board roles, including Chairman of Time Out, Executive Chairman of Damovo, and Non-Executive Director at Tialis Essential IT PLC.
He has advised both public and private equity-backed firms, earning recognition in the UK’s tech and investment sectors. In 2012, he received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Comms National Awards and appeared as an interviewer on BBC’s The Apprentice.
Matthew is committed to social impact, supporting youth entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. A Fellow of The King’s Trust, he mentors young entrepreneurs and has backed charitable causes, including donating meals to vulnerable families.
The Record
Background
-
2006 — Present
Founder & Chairman
Giacom
Giacom provides a cloud distribution platform that enables IT resellers to easily deliver and manage solutions from providers like Microsoft, Bitdefender, and Acronis. Their user-friendly Cloud Market system simplifies access to and management of cloud services, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their digital capabilities.
-
2025 — Present
Chairman
O2 Daisy
O2 Daisy unites Virgin Media O2 Business’s cutting-edge fixed and mobile network innovation with Daisy’s digital-first approach and extensive B2B expertise.
-
2001 — 2025
Founder & Chairman
Daisy Group
Daisy Group provides tailored IT, communications, and cloud solutions for mid-sized to large enterprises with intricate infrastructure requirements. With an emphasis on resilience and continuity, it helps businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
In The News
Newsfeed
-
28 November 2025 · The Times
O2 Daisy boss: ‘I want to take on the phone giants'
Read more -
15 May 2025 · UC Today
Virgin Media O2, Daisy Group Confirm Merger Into £3Bn Telecoms Titan to ‘Revolutionise IT Landsca
Read more -
13 May 2025 · UC Today
Matthew Riley is Ready for the ‘Massive Opportunity’ in Daisy Group’s Virgin Media O2 Merger
Read more -
3 May 2024 · The Business Desk
Merger creates UK’s biggest independent IT managed services provider
Read more -
12 April 2024 · Sky News
Daisy founder Riley in £215m swoop on cloud firm 4Com
Read more -
31 March 2023 · Sky News
Daisy founder Riley swoops on listed cybersecurity provider ECSC
Read more -
17 February 2022 · Sky News
Daisy founder Riley seals £210m takeover of telecoms rival XLN
Read more -
12 May 2020 · Lancashire Business Review
Ribble Valley entrepreneur donates vital meals to community food banks
Read more -
26 February 2019 · Financial Times
Daisy Group prepares for acquisitions after £1bn refinancing
Read more -
6 July 2018 · Manchester Evening News
Daisy founder part of £124m exit deal following sale of Damovo Group
Read more -
4 September 2014 · This is Money
CITY INTERVIEW: Working as Apprentice judge put me off showbusiness for life, says Daisy founder
Read more
Formative Years
Education
-
SS John Fisher & Thomas More Catholic Primary School
1985 — 1990
Areas Of Focus