Ledger branches out after senior staff rejig

Distribution Data Connectivity MD sets up independent venture.

Data Connectivity's Neil Ledger has stepped down as managing director to become non-executive chairman and has simultaneously set up his own company, following a executive-level reshuffle.

According to Ledger, he and Ian Morris, business development director and a founder of Data Connectivity, will be involved in setting up a range of technology ventures for parent group Datrontech in the European market, which will be introduced primarily through the distributor's channel.

But while Ledger stressed the two would be mostly working with Datrontech to set up the businesses, he added: 'Ian and I have set up our own company called In Touch which will help establish ventures in this sector.'

Ledger will work at the company two days a week from January and will be replaced by sales director Grahame Smee. Ledger said his decision to move away from a hands-on role at Data Connectivity had nothing to do with the market difficulties Datrontech is experiencing.

'Data Connectivity is a strong and profitable business. When it was bought, Mark (Mulford) decided to leave us alone to focus on the company. There was no interference,' he insisted.

Ledger and Morris, who are both main shareholders in Datrontech, refuted rumours that they were being contractually forced to stay at the group.

Ledger founded the unit more than six years ago and was managing director at the time of Datrontech's #6.4 million purchase of Data Connectivity in June 1996.

In a letter to the distributor's vendors, Ledger stated: 'Ian's involvement in Data Connectivity will begin to diminish, save for a couple of priority accounts and projects.'

Mark Mulford, chief executive officer at Datrontech, stated: 'Neil and I have been discussing this for about a year. The earn out from the buyout was completed more than 18 months ago and he has taken Data Connectivity through it.'