Smart421 boss Miles calls it a day

KCOM Group confirms rumours that MD of consultancy brand Smart421 is moving on after nine years in charge

KCOM Group has confirmed that the managing director of its enterprise consultancy arm, Smart421, has stepped down for "personal reasons".

Neil Miles (pictured) has decided to move on after nine years in charge of the Ipswich-based outfit, which is one of Amazon Web Services' top UK partners. He had been with Smart421 since its inception in 1999.

Parent company KCOM Group - which acquired Smart421 in 2006 - confirmed Miles' departure in a statement to CRN.

"Under Neil's leadership, the Smart421 team has delivered many important achievements," said Bill Halbert, chief executive of the London-listed comms firm.

"Alongside a strong financial performance, Smart421's reputation has continued to develop strongly, with it acknowledged increasingly as an expert in business innovation, technology change and digital transformation. That reputation includes important world class relationships with key partners, such as Amazon Web Services and engagement with many new and existing customers."

Smart421 is the smaller of KCOM Group's two enterprise brands, generating an EBITDA of £3.1m on flat sales of £30.2m in the financial year ending 31 March 2015.

KCOM Group's other enterprise brand, Cisco Gold partner Kcom, posted an EBITDA of £15.5m on sales that fell from £214.3m to £188.8m.

In June, KCOM Group said it will integrate its existing brands in the enterprise, SMB and consumer segments. This will mean customers of the Kcom and Smart421 brands will see improved access to the capabilities offered by both brands, it said at the time.