Public sector IT VAR Stone has appointed private equity guru Roger Burdett to take the business forward.

Currently executive chairman of UK-based manufacturer of household and industrial cleaning products, Jeyes Group, Burdett boasts a 12-year track record in working with private equity backed companies. He will be non-executive chairman at Stone.

James Bird, founder and chief executive of Stone, said: “Stone has achieved significant growth both organically and through acquisition since the buy-out. Roger’s strategic experience will enable us to capitalise on our success to date and take advantage of the further growth opportunities facing the business.”

Prior to Jeyes Group, Burdett was chief executive of a private equity backed private hospital group, Classic Hospitals, and deputy chairman of Europackaging, a global manufacturer and supplier of packaging products with a £200m turnover.

He was chairman of three management buy-outs (MBOs) between 2001 and 2005 from buy-out through to disposal, and chief executive of both Trident Components Group and Hay Hall Group, until private equity exits in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Burdett said: “Stone is a well-managed business with an excellent service-led reputation and a competitive position in a niche market. I look forward to working with the board and RJD to take the business forward to the next level in its growth plan.”

RJD Partners led the £28m MBO of the Stone Group in April 2008. Stone subsequently acquired notebook vendor Rock Computers in May of the same year.

John Dillon, partner at RJD, added: “Stone has achieved considerable success by providing a comprehensive first-class service to its customers and operates in a traditionally more resilient public sector market which, despite the general economic downturn, is forecasting growth over the next few years.

“Roger’s excellent track record in adding strategic value to private equity backed businesses will be of considerable benefit.”