‘We will leverage data and AI to help our customers’: mhance new CEO on top priorities
Chris Allan discusses Microsoft-first strategy, customer base and private-equity backed growth
Hired as CEO of mhance last month, Chris Allan plans to deepen the firm’s focus on data, AI and delivery capability.
Speaking to CRN, Allan says he will double down on the firm’s Microsoft-first approach with a growing emphasis on helping clients unlock value from their data.
“We will leverage data and AI to help customers understand their business in ways they couldn’t before,” he explains.
Historically, mhance has focused on implementing core operational systems but Allan says the business is increasingly evolving into a data-led partner.
“The logical evolution has been how organisations use the data they’ve built up.
“Traditionally, that was through reporting and dashboards. Now AI is helping customers find things in their data they didn’t even know to ask about.”
He adds that recent advances in AI are also opening up new ways for customers to analyse large datasets and uncover insights.
Customers and workforce
Around half of mhance’s revenue currently comes from the not-for-profit sector, with the remainder generated from commercial SMB accounts.
Last year, the organisation announced a partnership with UK-based nature conservation charity RSPB to deliver a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system aimed at boosting supporter engagement.
It also collaborates with institutions including WWF, Oxfam Ireland, Médecins Sans Frontières and Dementia UK.
Operations remain primarily UK-focused, with some activity in Ireland and parts of the EU.
For now, international expansion is not a priority.
“In the short term, the focus remains on the UK and Ireland,” he adds.
“There’s still a lot of opportunity here.”
mhance employs between 120 and 150 people, with around two-thirds working in delivery and onboarding roles.
“The majority of our people are focused on implementation and customer delivery,” Allan says.
“The rest cover sales, finance, HR and support functions.”
Changes and priorities under SilverTree
Since his appointment, the CEO has already named two new leaders in delivery and programme management.
He also hints at another senior hire coming soon.
mhance, which has been acquired by private equity firm SilverTree in 2025, views mergers and acquisitions as an option following the investment.
“M&A is always on the table in a private equity environment,” says the company’s chief.
“It depends on what comes to market and whether it fits strategically.”
Moving forward, Allan says success over the next year will be measured by sustainable growth, profitability and new customer wins.
“In 12 months, I’d like to be talking about a year of profitable growth, strong new logo acquisition and continued scaling,” he tells CRN.
“The aim is to keep building a business that performs well and delivers consistently for customers.”