Sir Charles Dunstone began his career at NEC, selling computers to corporate clients. On transferring to mobile phones, he identified that no one was selling to the individual or small companies. In true entrepreneurial style and with limited capital, he set up Carphone Warehouse in 1989, selling mobile phones from his flat.
Offering impartial advice and unbeatable service, the company rapidly expanded into Europe and floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2000, valued at £1.7 bn.
Carphone Warehouse acquired Opal Telecom and launched TalkTalk in 2003, a residential, fixed line service to compete with BT, allowing customers to talk to each other for free. In 2006 TalkTalk launched the UK’s first free broadband service and became the fastest growing telecoms business and is now a FTSE 250 company and market leader.
Carphone Warehouse and TalkTalk demerged in 2010, forming two separate companies, with Charles chairing both.
In 2014 Carphone Warehouse merged with Dixons Retail, creating FTSE 100 company Dixons Carphone plc, which helps customers navigate the connected world and is Europe's leading specialist electrical & telecoms retailer and services company.
Passionate about supporting young entrepreneurs, Charles is proud to have been Chairman of The Prince’s Trust for six years and Council member for fifteen.
In 2012, Charles was Knighted for services to the telecoms industry and his charitable work. He is currently Chairman of Royal Museums Greenwich & BAR Racing.
