Sopra Steria names Craig Wilson UK CEO
The appointment comes as the firm’s UK operations return to growth after two years of decline
Sopra Steria has promoted Craig Wilson to UK CEO as John Neilson is set to retire.
Wilson, who was appointed deputy CEO in January, will join the group executive committee and assume his new role from 1 July.
The new UK leader first joined Sopra Steria in 2018 as MD of financial services before becoming head of the private sector business in 2019, a position he held for almost seven years.
Prior to joining Sopra Steria, he spent five years at HSBC in various leadership roles.
The company said Wilson will focus on accelerating growth in the UK, strengthening the group’s position across its core markets and helping customers navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, digital transformation and business services.
Following a six-year tenure as UK CEO, Neilson will remain in an advisory role before retiring at the end of the year.
“The opportunities ahead are significant,” said Wilson.
“Organisations across both the public and private sectors are looking to improve performance, modernise operations and make the most of new technologies, especially AI.
“My focus will be on helping our clients achieve those outcomes while continuing to build a business where talented people can do their best work.”
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, CEO of Sopra Steria, added: “Craig’s appointment is the result of a carefully planned succession process.
“The UK is one of Sopra Steria’s most important markets, and I am confident he will successfully lead the next phase of its development.”
The appointment comes four months after Krishnamurthy took the helm of the organisation, following the announcement of his promotion in December.
He succeeded Cyril Malargé, who stepped down after 23 years with the group and moved to become CEO of ALTEN.
Still in December, the firm announced the buyouts of Starion and Nexova from CS Group, which were completed on 30 April.
The leadership change comes as Sopra Steria looks to build on signs of recovery in the UK.
In FY25, the UK accounted for 16 per cent of group revenue, generating €909.9m (£785.3m), down 4.3 per cent year-on-year, following a 0.5 dip in FY24.
Business was reportedly impacted by an 8.3 per cent decline during the first nine months of FY25, although this was partially offset by 8.8 per cent increase in the final quarter, fuelled by NHS SBS, SSCL and a more favourable comparison period.
The momentum continued into FY26, with UK turnover rising 4.2 per cent to €220m in Q1.