Horton out as FluidOne CEO, newcomer Paul Kahn takes helm from KBR
Horton has led the MSP for seven and a half years through significant growth
FluidOne has announced that CEO Russell Horton is stepping down from his role to be succeeded by new chief exec, Paul Kahn.
Horton will support the handover process before officially departing on 8 December, and will remain an investor in the business.
"Russell has been instrumental in transforming FluidOne into a leading secure connected cloud solutions provider with an outstanding customer-focused culture. We are grateful for his leadership and partnership over the past six years,” said Daniel Smith, partner at Livingbridge, FluidOne's investment backer since 2019.
“Paul brings exactly the experience FluidOne needs for its next chapter with proven CEO capability in scaling technology and services businesses, a track record of delivering performance improvements in complex environments, and a genuine commitment to customer excellence and team development."
Horton’s legacy
Under Horton's leadership since April 2018, the MSP has grown from a small connectivity business to a £100m+ secure connected cloud solutions provider serving 2,200 business customers across the UK.
The Livingbridge-backed business leapt into the number 59 Top VAR slot in 2023, having not ranked the previous year after an acquisitive period of three buyouts with Computer and Network Consultants, project five and Highlander Computing.
The London-HQ outfit was then propelled to the number 47 spot the following year after its double swoop of Orca IT and SureCloud Cyber Services in 2024.
Horton revealed he wanted to buy four businesses a year to achieve his goal of becoming a £300m turnover company.
FluidOne has completed a total of nine acquisitions to date.
"When I joined FluidOne in 2018, I saw a clear opportunity to take the quality foundations we had in connectivity and mobile and transform the business into a comprehensive connected cloud solutions provider,” said Horton.
“I'm proud of what we've built together: a high-quality business that delivers real value to customers, a culture that people want to be part of, and a platform built to last.”
“I'm excited to watch the next phase unfold."
The new face of FluidOne
Paul Kahn joins the business from NYSE-listed Fortune 500 company KBR, where he served as president of government solution international.
Here he oversaw operations in defence, critical national infrastructure, sustainable energy, and technical consulting.
Before KBR Kahn was president of communications and connectivity at FTSE 250 Cobham PLC, departing on completion of the successful public-to-private transaction by Advent International.
“My immediate focus is on listening and learning, understanding the business, our customers, and the team,” Khan said.
“I'll be working closely with the senior leadership team to refine our strategy for the next phase of growth while maintaining the customer service excellence that FluidOne is known for.”