Terence H. Matthews

Terence H. Matthews

Terrence H. Matthews, businessman (b at Newbridge, Wales). Matthews began his career in telecommunications at the age of 16 at British Telecom Research Labs in his native Wales. While working there he continued to study and received Higher National Certificates in electrical and mechanical engineering. He also received an honours degree in electronics from University College of Wales, Swansea. Upon graduation, he left Wales for Canada, where he worked as an engineer at Microsystems International Ltd, a subsidiary of Northern Telecom. Ultimately he was promoted to manager of telecommunications product marketing.

Matthews was a cofounder of Mitel Corporation in 1975. In his first 10 years at Mitel, he directed marketing, sales and product management, developing the company to become a world leader of integrated circuits and electronic private switchboards. British Telecom bought controlling interest of Mitel in 1985, and in March 1986 Matthews left the company to found NEWBRIDGE NETWORKS CORPORATION.

As founder and chairman of Newbridge, Matthews provided the vision and leadership to recognize and capitalize on an expanding TDM market growth opportunity. Sales grew from $1 million in 1987 to $800 million in 1995.

Matthews is a fellow of both the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the University of Wales. He has received a doctor of technology degree from the University of Glamorgan, Wales, and a Doctor of Engineering degree from Carleton University. In May 1994, he was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Matthews is also chairman of a number of high-technology companies including CrossKeys, West End Systems, TimeStep, Televittese, Castleton Systems, StarVision Multimedia Corporation and Tundra Semiconductor. He is also chairman of the UK company Celtic Inns.