Sage swayed by Flattery in UK CEO hunt

Vendor's small business leader Brendan FLattery steps into UK top job with incumbent Paul Stobart moving to pan-regional role

Business software vendor Sage is to ring the changes in the new year, with current small business chief Brendan Flattery set to commence work as UK chief executive on 1 January.

Having joined Sage in 2003, Flattery (pictured) has previously served the vendor as leader of its Accountants Division and its Mid-Market Division. Most recently he has held the post of managing director of Sage's Small Business Division.

He replaces Paul Stobart, who has spent seven year's in the UK and Ireland chief exec's chair. The incumbent leader moves to a role as chief executive for northern Europe. In his new post Stobart will oversee operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland.

The Newcastle-headquartered software house has indicated that the European restructure was prompted by a desire to facilitate better inter-country collaboration. Aspects including global products, technology platforms, marketing and branding have been singled out as areas where Sage wishes to collaborate more effectively.

Stobart said: "At Sage, we believe strongly in managing talent and developing great leaders across the business that inspire, motivate, lead by example and empower their teams to be the best they can be. Brendan's appointment as UK CEO represents a new generation of leadership for the UK business and I look forward to supporting him in this exciting new chapter for Sage UK."