One of the UK’s largest software and services providers has appointed Richard Kerr as its new Chief Financial Officer to lead the company’s transition to an international cloud software and services business.
Kerr’s appointment is the third board appointment for Advanced in the past 12 months with Narinder Sahota appointed Chief Technology Officer in September and Simon Short made Chief Operating Officer in January last year.
He was formerly CFO at Dennis Publishing where he had a key role in the growth of the group, leading the sale of the business from PE owner Exponent to Future plc. Before that he was CFO at Guardian Media Group where he was instrumental in the financial turnaround of the group and in building a high growth recurring revenue business model.
Kerr takes over from Andrew Hicks who joined Advanced in 2015 and has played a significant role in managing the company’s transformation and growth over the past six years, securing significant re-investment from Vista Equity Partners alongside new investment from BC Partners in October 2019 which led to the company’s impressive acquisition portfolio of 17 companies over that time.
He said: “I’m excited to bring my media sector experience of complex rapidly changing markets and recurring revenue business models to help drive the group’s organic growth. I am also looking forward to utilising my M&A expertise to augment the group’s successful acquisition program.
“Advanced’s growth ambitions represent a unique opportunity for any senior leader, and I’m eager to support the whole Advanced team with a best-in-class finance function through this next transformative phase.”
Gordon Wilson, CEO, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Richard at a point where we are looking for significant double-digit growth and international expansion. Richard’s global experience will play a valuable part in that growth strategy along with his extensive M&A experience.”
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