Sage chairman steps down

Michael Jackson set to leave the firm after 22 years

Software vendor Sage will lose its chairman Michael Jackson in the summer, with Sir Julian Horn-Smith being appointed as a new non-executive director.

Jackson, who has been chairman since 1997, will step down in August after 22 years with Sage.

Horn-Smith joins from Vodafone, where he has been a senior executive since the mobile communications provider was founded in 1984.

Lindsay Bury, senior non-executive director of Sage, said: "We are delighted to welcome Sir Julian to the Sage Board. He brings a wealth of experience in building and managing businesses in competitive and complex markets.

"The Board would also like to thank Michael Jackson for his substantial contribution to Sage's growth over the past 22 years, and particularly for his guidance of our international expansion through acquisition. He leaves the Group well-placed for continuing growth," added Bury.

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