Chris Baird
Chris Baird is the President and CEO of OptConnect, a global managed wireless and IoT connectivity company headquartered in Kaysville, Utah. Under his leadership, OptConnect has grown organically and expanded through the acquisition and integration of Premier Wireless Solutions (PWS), M2M DataGlobal in Santiago, Chile, Capestone in Leiden, Netherlands, and DPL Wireless in New Brunswick, Canada. Chris leads the teams responsible for growth strategy, acquisitions, and post- acquisition integration, with a consistent focus on operational discipline and long-term value creation. With nearly two decades of experience in the cellular wireless and IoT sectors, Chris brings a deep understanding of both the technical and human dimensions of building durable companies. His leadership philosophy centers on clarity, trust, and accountability, with a strong belief that sustained performance follows when people are supported, challenged, and aligned around a shared purpose. This approach has guided OptConnect’s evolution from an early-stage startup into a scaled, profitable, and internationally operating enterprise. Chris is known for his ability to lead through complexity and change, particularly in high-growth and acquisition-driven environments. He has a proven track record of developing and executing strategy while maintaining cultural cohesion across geographies and teams. In recognition of his leadership, he was named CEO of the Year by Utah Business Magazine in 2021. During Chris’s tenure, OptConnect has earned repeated industry recognition, including eight consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and numerous “Best Companies to Work For” honors from Inc. Magazine, the Salt Lake Tribune, and Utah Business Magazine. The company has also been recognized by the Mountain West Capital Network as one of Utah’s fastest-growing companies nine times in the last ten years. Additionally, Chris also serves on the Board of Directors at Ogden, UT-based Becklar, where he contributes to governance, strategy, and growth initiatives within the connected safety, security, and technology sector. Chris studied Business Management and Spanish at Weber State University. He lives in Kaysville, Utah, with his wife, Ally, and their four children. Outside of work, he values time with family, travel, and coaching his children’s sports teams, experiences that continue to shape his perspective on spirituality, leadership, resilience, and growth.
Appears in 1 Episode
A Conversation With Chris Baird, President & CEO OptConnect
Chris Baird is the President and CEO of OptConnect, and his leadership story starts far from the corner office. He joined the company in 2009 as an ATM repair speciali...
