Ultima welcomes new CEO as it focuses on growth
VMware and Microsoft exec Scott Dodds to take hotseat as current CEO Max McNeill takes strategic role as chairman
Fast-growing Ultima Business Solutions is entering its next ambitious growth phase as it welcomes a new chief executive.
CRN can reveal that Scott Dodds (pictured left), who earlier this year left Microsoft to take on the role of VMware's EMEA vice president of channels and alliances, is set to take the helm at the Reading-based solution provider from 20 October.
Incumbent CEO and founder Max McNeill is moving to the position of chairman to take a more strategic role in the business.
Speaking to CRN, McNeill said: "Ultima recently celebrated its 25th birthday, and we have taken the business from zero to £100m in that time and this has been achieved by purely organic growth and without any outside funding. We have recently made a number of significant investments to create the platform to take us to the next level. For example, we are launching a new website in the coming weeks, we have opened a new city office that is five times bigger, and have bought a business park in Reading, which from 1 April will be our new HQ."
He added: "We have also conducted a huge recruitment drive, and now have 350 employees. With all these things going on and the advent of the cloud, along with market changes to our competitors - Kelway being acquired and Softcat looking to do an IPO - we are perfectly positioned for a significant surge in growth. Scott, with his immense skills, experience and knowledge of the market, is the perfect person to guide us to the next level and beyond."
McNeill explained his new role will be more "strategic" - to focus on potential smaller acquisitions, spearhead recruitment and oversee the move to the new building.
When asked how Dodds' appointment came about, he explained: "I have known Scott for 30 years and I approached him. With the business growing at the rate it is, I needed someone to take it forward and I only had one person in mind. We have a very strong can-do culture and close-knit team at Ultima, with great customer and staff retention which is built on expertise, stability and independence. I needed to be 100 per cent sure that whoever takes over the CEO role was going to build on this culture and legacy. I am certain that Scott's appointment will be seen in a very positive light by customers, vendors and staff alike."
He added that Ultima is firmly focused on growth, with plans to hit £150m turnover in two years and smash through the £200m barrier within five years.
Speaking of his appointment, Dodds said: "I am delighted to be joining Ultima as it celebrates its 25th anniversary as a key player in the UK IT industry. The relentless focus on delivering customer value through technology-supported innovation and services has enabled Ultima to grow into a strong and trusted partner for customers and vendors alike. I am looking forward to playing a part in supporting this incredible Ultima team to continue to grow with its customers through the application of innovative technology and services."