Wayne Nielsen

As the Founder and Publisher of Submarine Telecoms Forum, Wayne Nielsen has significantly contributed to the global submarine cable systems industry. His publication has become an indispensable resource, reaching an audience of over 150,000 readers across 115 countries. The magazine provides in-depth analysis, news, and insights on submarine telecom cable and network operations, establishing itself as a central platform for industry discourse. Nielsen’s vision for Submarine Telecoms Forum extends to a comprehensive range of media services, including a streaming video service and a regularly updated news feed. This expansion reflects his commitment to keeping industry professionals informed and connected in an ever-evolving sector. Under Nielsen's stewardship, the magazine has become more than just a publication; it is a hub for the exchange of ideas and a barometer for the latest trends and developments in the submarine telecommunications world. His leadership in this field is marked by his ability to foster a sense of community and facilitate meaningful discussions among experts worldwide.

Wayne Nielsen's role at the helm of WFN Strategies is marked by a comprehensive range of responsibilities and notable achievements. He oversees the company's business management, a role that includes the development of key ISO standards such as ISO 9001:2015 for Quality, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. These standards are crucial for the successful implementation of submarine cable systems, catering to a diverse clientele that includes commercial, governmental, and offshore energy companies around the globe. His leadership and dedication to excellence in the field have been recognized with the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Exports, underscoring his contributions to the industry and international trade. Nielsen's project portfolio is extensive and varied, encompassing inter-platform systems in locations such as Australia, the Gulf of Mexico, the US West Coast, the North Sea, and West Africa. He has also been involved in polar systems and numerous transoceanic submarine cable systems, showcasing the breadth and depth of his expertise in this specialized sector. These projects not only highlight his technical proficiency but also his ability to manage complex, international initiatives successfully.

As President of STF Events, Inc. from April 2017 to December 2019, Wayne Nielsen played a pivotal role in orchestrating the management of SubOptic 2019, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Under his leadership, this conference emerged as the most successful event of its kind to date. Nielsen's responsibilities encompassed overseeing the entire lifecycle of the conference, from initial planning and coordination to execution and post-event analysis. His expertise in the submarine cable systems industry, combined with his skills in event management, were instrumental in elevating SubOptic 2019 to new heights. The success of the conference under Nielsen’s stewardship can be attributed to his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to anticipate and address the needs of attendees, and his knack for facilitating engaging and informative sessions. His management ensured that SubOptic 2019 not only met but exceeded expectations, setting a new benchmark for future conferences in this domain.

As Vice President of Submarine Cable Systems at SAIC, based in Vienna, Virginia, USA, Wayne Nielsen demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in the submarine telecommunications sector. During his five-year tenure, he was primarily responsible for spearheading the company's business in this target market, focusing on the engineering and implementation of submarine telecom cable systems. Under his direction, SAIC secured significant submarine telecom contracts for a variety of major international projects. These included the Australia – Japan Cable, APCN 2, East Asia Crossing 1 and 2, Japan Information Highway, Pacific Crossing 1, FLAG Atlantic, GlobaLink, Global West, Guam-Saipan, Malaysia Domestic, Mexico Domestic, National Missile Defense, Northstar, Project Eagle, Project OXYGEN, and TGN Atlantic. Each of these projects represented a substantial advancement in global telecommunications infrastructure, showcasing Nielsen's ability to manage complex, large-scale initiatives successfully. Additionally, Nielsen played a crucial role in establishing strategic alliances with Danish and British companies. These alliances were aimed at expanding SAIC’s global reach in providing comprehensive survey and installation services. His efforts in this area not only expanded SAIC's operational capabilities but also reinforced its position as a key player in the global market for submarine cable systems.

As the Regional Manager for Cable & Wireless Marine from 1994 to 1996 in Vienna, Virginia, USA, Wayne Nielsen played a critical role in both establishing and expanding the company's presence in the North and Central American markets, as well as the eastern Pacific region. During his two-year tenure, he was responsible for setting up a regional project management office and spearheading corporate activities that were valued at approximately $10 million. Nielsen's strategic approach and leadership were instrumental in successfully introducing the European-based company into the US market. One of his key accomplishments was securing and managing a contract for MCI's first submarine telecom system, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion and capabilities. Furthermore, Nielsen initiated the first international consortium for coastal Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems. This initiative not only demonstrated his innovative approach to collaborative projects but also his ability to navigate and unify diverse multinational entities. He also organized the first roundtable of multi-national CEOs at a Pacific-wide telecom conference. This event facilitated high-level discussions and collaborations, further enhancing the company's reputation and influence in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, Nielsen adeptly managed the merger of competitor companies within the hemisphere, ensuring a smooth transition and integration. This task highlighted his proficiency in corporate management, particularly in overseeing complex processes involving multiple stakeholders. Through these achievements, Wayne Nielsen significantly contributed to Cable & Wireless Marine's growth and success in a highly competitive and evolving industry.

During his tenure at BT Marine, Wayne Nielsen demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen in two key roles over a total period of 10 years and 1 month. From 1991 to 1996, he served as General Manager / Business Development Manager, based both in Southampton, England, UK, and Reston, Virginia, USA. In his capacity as General Manager / Business Development Manager, Nielsen was instrumental in establishing a Western Hemisphere project management office. His role was pivotal in developing corporate activities and overseeing acquisitions in the Americas and Pacific, with projects valued at $10 million. His responsibilities included managing corporate efforts for the potential acquisition of target submarine cable industry companies and establishing the company's presence in the US market. Nielsen's strategic efforts led to securing multiple contracts for submarine telecom systems and forging international agreements for the marketing of telecom systems with NAFTA countries. He also played a key role in the development of next-generation installation systems. Nielsen's influence extended to establishing a worldwide business presence for BT Marine. He implemented strategies across various regions and managed corporate market analysis functions, with projects valued at £15 million. Under his guidance, the company secured contracts for submarine telecom systems with European customers, including the deployment of the first optical systems in Iceland and Turkey. He initiated and managed an international agreement for the cross-marketing of telecom systems in the US and UK. Additionally, Nielsen's creative and forward-thinking approach led to the creation and publication of Soundings, the industry’s first submarine cable magazine. This endeavor not only marked a significant contribution to the industry's knowledge sharing but also positioned BT Marine as a thought leader in the submarine cable sector.

As the North American Marketing Manager for BT Marine from 1986 to 1991, based in Sterling, Virginia, USA, Wayne Nielsen played a crucial role in implementing the corporation’s strategies across North America, with projects valued at $20 million. His tenure of 5 years in this position was marked by significant achievements in both the commercial and defense sectors. Nielsen's notable accomplishments include securing the first optical submarine telecom system for Canadian Bell Operating Companies. This was a groundbreaking development, showcasing his ability to introduce and manage cutting-edge technology in major telecommunications projects. In the defense sector, Nielsen successfully secured the first Department of Defense (DoD) optical submarine telecom systems for the USAF in Japan, and for the US Army in Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of Marshall Islands. These contracts not only represented a substantial advancement in military communications infrastructure but also underscored Nielsen's skill in navigating complex governmental procurement processes and requirements. Throughout his time as North American Marketing Manager, Nielsen's efforts were instrumental in strengthening the corporation's presence and influence in the North American market, particularly in pioneering optical submarine telecom systems. His leadership and strategic approach to marketing and contract acquisition played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company's operations in this region.

As Vice President of Marketing at Allied Defense Industries from 1982 to 1986 in McLean, Virginia, USA, Wayne Nielsen was instrumental in implementing the company's marketing strategies, focusing on providing products and services to the US Department of Defense (DoD) and related industries. During his four-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in a number of significant projects. One of Nielsen's key achievements was securing the installation of the first Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) optical cable system. This system, known as the Japan Reconfiguration and Digitization system, established a vital link between Okinawa and Japan. His success in this project not only demonstrated his proficiency in dealing with complex defense contracts but also showcased his ability to pioneer new technological solutions in high-stakes environments. Nielsen's tenure at Allied Defense Industries was marked by his strategic approach to marketing and his expertise in understanding and fulfilling the needs of the defense sector. His leadership and initiatives significantly contributed to the company's growth and reputation in providing essential services to the US DoD and related industries.