Titan CEO and headline sponsor Gibson are pleased to announce Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect, as a 2026 Salt Lake City Titan 100 recipient.
The Titan 100 program recognizes Salt Lake City’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry, using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Together, the 2026 Salt Lake City Titan 100 honorees and their companies generate more than $12 billion in annual revenue and employ over 42,000 people across the region, with more than half exceeding $35 million in annual revenue. This year’s honorees will be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. They will be honored at the annual awards ceremony on August 27, 2026, and will be given the opportunity to interact and connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans.
“This year’s Titans represent more than success; they embody resilience, purpose, and transformation,” said Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO. “Being a Titan is not just a title; it is a mindset, a way of leading with courage, serving with integrity, and creating something that outlasts you. It is about lifting those around you and leaving a legacy that inspires others to rise. These leaders stand as proof that the future of business is driven by those who turn vision into lasting impact.”
Under the leadership of Chris Baird, OptConnect has transformed from a niche player into a global leader in the mission-critical cellular IoT industry. Today, the company delivers managed wireless solutions that keep thousands of ATMs, smart safes, retail kiosks, and other IoT applications online 24/7. Chris’s focused strategy has scaled the company to over 1.4 million managed devices and a rare eight-year streak on the Inc. 5000. Chris has expertly led OptConnect through the strategic acquisitions of PWS, M2M DataGlobal (Latin America), Capestone (Europe), and DPL Wireless (Canada) to deliver seamless connectivity across international borders. Yet, Chris defines his ultimate success through the culture he has built; by prioritizing people and community impact, he has earned OptConnect Best Company to Work For honors for eight consecutive years, proving that world-class leadership is the true engine behind world-class connectivity.
Upon learning of his inclusion in the 2026 Titan 100, Baird reflected on the collective effort behind the company’s recent global expansion:
“Being recognized as a Titan 100 is a testament to the incredible team we’ve built at OptConnect. In an industry as fast-paced as IoT, it’s easy to focus solely on the hardware and the data, but I’ve always believed that our greatest innovation is our culture. This award belongs to the people who show up every day to simplify the complex for our customers. They are the true engine behind our global growth. Proving that you can build a world-class company by putting people first is what I’m most proud of.”
Chris will be honored at the Titan 100 awards celebration on August 27, 2026, which will be held at The Grand Ballroom – Utah State Fairpark. This elegant, cocktail-style awards event will unite 100 Titans of Industry for an unforgettable evening of celebration, camaraderie, and networking—an evening unlike anything that exists in Salt Lake City business community.
“Taylor Covey, Managing Principal at Gibson, shared the following message in recognition of this year’s honorees:
“On behalf of everyone at Gibson, I want to congratulate this year’s Salt Lake City Titan 100 honorees. We believe great leadership transforms organizations and communities alike, and this remarkable group of leaders exemplifies this at the highest level. Their vision, leadership, and lasting impact make them true Titans, and incredibly well deserving of this recognition.”
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About OptConnect
Established in 2009, OptConnect has rapidly emerged as a premier provider of IoT connectivity solutions, serving diverse sectors including ATMs, vending machines, smart safes, digital signage, security assets and irrigation systems. With the strategic acquisition of Premier Wireless Solutions (PWS) in 2021, M2MDataGlobal in 2024, Capestone in 2025, and the recent addition of DPL Wireless in 2026, OptConnect has solidified its global presence and commitment to delivering cutting-edge wireless connectivity solutions. Our mission remains focused on helping customers design, deploy, and manage their IoT initiatives.
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Media Contact
OptConnect – Kevin Dalton
Chief Experience Officer
kevin.dalton@optconnect.com
