An experienced chairman and chief executive with a track record of growing IT businesses has been appointed by Bath-based communication technology firm Gradwell as its new chair.
John Whitty, pictured, the former CEO of Nottingham-based IT managed group Air IT and Oxford-based communications tech firm Solar Communications, has succeeded Mark Howling who was in the role for nearly five years.
Gradwell was launched in Bath in 1998 by Peter Gradwell while still a student. The innovative firm was an early developer of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony in the UK, before diversifying into cloud-based services and connectivity for SMEs.
At one time one of Bath’s fastest-growing firms, last year it joined forces with Leeds-based The Technology Group (TTG) to create a £17m-turnover business capable of growing its share of a rapidly expanding market.
Gradwell said John Whitty’s vast experience would help the businesses grow exponentially, both organically and by acquisition, which would be vital to support Gradwell’s next phase of development.
Mr Whitty said: “Having admired the business for many years, I’m very pleased to join the Gradwell team.
“Gradwell has an excellent reputation and heritage in the managed UCaaS [unified communications as a service] space, having offered IP based solutions since inception which makes its offerings extremely relevant to both the direct and partner channel.
“The business is now ready to take advantage of the recent investments in systems, people and sales capability, and I look forward to expediting this growth.”
Gradwell CEO Jamie Ward added: “Gradwell has just entered the next exciting phase of our growth plan, and welcoming John to the board provides us with a good opportunity to maximise our activities in both our channel and inorganic merger and acquisition activities.”
