Exclusive Networks boss Graham Jones 'hanging up his boots' after 45 years in the industry

Jones confirmed he will retire after spending 45 years in the IT industry

Graham Jones has confirmed that he will be retiring after spending 45 years in the IT industry.

Jones has worked at multiple companies during his career and most recently acted as UK and Ireland divisional director at Exclusive Networks.

But after nine years with the business, Jones said he has now decided to "hang up his boots" and retire from his role with immediate effect.

Confirming his retirement on LinkedIn, he said that he has had a "great ride" during his career and is "over the moon" that his "last gig" was with Exclusive Networks.

He said: "(There are) too many people to thank for making my career so fulfilling and enjoyable. At Exclusive we managed to show that value can be scaled and vars and vendors alike will pay a little more for real people who care and do a great job. It's not all about price!!

"Over the last nine years we have grown the company nearly 10 fold with help from our key vendors."

He added that he is leaving the UK&I and group in "great shape" and praised the team he worked with, saying "the energy and drive is truly humbling".

"It has been an absolute joy to conduct", he said.

Writing about what his plans for the future are, he added: "As for me, time to spend with my family, more golf (18 handicap one day?) and generally time out doing non work stuff. So thanks again to everyone who I have worked with over the last 45 years and best of luck to you all."

Gerard Allison, SVP EMEA at Exclusive Networks, said Jones played a "significant" role in the evolution of the business and built a "great team and culture" within it.

He said: "I have been working closely with Graham and the UK&I management team for some time putting a succession plan in place to ensure a smooth transition and continuity.

"Graham leaves the UK&I business in a very strong and robust position with an experienced, committed and focused management team. The market opportunity is significant and the business strategy is sound so it will be very much business as usual as we continue to execute against our business plan."

Allison will take interim responsibility of the UK&I business operation, with Jones' successor to be appointed in due course.

Allison added: "Myself, the executive leadership team, his UK&I colleagues and all of the global Exclusive Networks family would like to thank Graham for his outstanding contribution and commitment over the last decade and we wish him a long and happy retirement."