Capita appoints AWS VP as CEO to replace retiring Jon Lewis

Capita CEO Jon Lewis has informed the board of his intention to retire from the company at the end of the year

Capita CEO Jon Lewis is set to step down from his position towards the end of the year, while remaining in the business until July 2024 to ensure an orderly transition.

He will be succeeded by Adolfo Hernandez, who will join Capita as CEO and director. Hernandez is currently VP of global telecommunications AWS and has had a 30-year career in the technology sector, including senior leadership roles at SDL plc and Alcatel-Lucent.

Lewis has served Capita as CEO and director since December 2017 and has led the transformation of the group.

He informed the board last year that he was interested in exploring his future options, including eventual retirement from Capita and handover to a new CEO, once the business had pivoted to growth following its completed turnaround and a potential successor had been identified.

Following these discussions, the board commenced a succession-planning process.

Capita has been under a strengthening journey in the past year, selling off business as part of a divestment plan.

In March 2023, Capita sold Security Watchdog to 'strengthen the balance sheet' and in June it sold a further five software businesses to AdvancedAdvT.

David Lowden, Chairman of Capita, said: "On behalf of the board and everyone at Capita, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Jon and pay tribute to his significant commitment and achievements at Capita over the past five years.

"He has shown outstanding leadership and determination in rebuilding Capita from the ground up.

"It is now a purpose-led business which Jon has refocused, strengthened and returned to growth, while rebuilding client trust and improving colleague engagement. He should be rightly proud of his achievements.

Jon Lewis said: "It has been a privilege to lead the turnaround of Capita over the past five years. I remain fully committed to delivering the Group's strategy and enabling a smooth transition to Adolfo as the new CEO over the coming months.

"I remain indebted to the 50,000 colleagues across Capita for their hard work, commitment and professionalism during my time as CEO.

"I have the greatest respect for the achievements of Capita's people around the world, whom I have been proud to lead and who have earned the trust of our valued clients, suppliers and other stakeholders."

Incoming CEO, Adolfo Hernandez said: "I am very excited to be joining Capita. The Group is in strong financial health and well positioned for accelerated revenue growth in both its public service and customer experience markets, with a healthy pipeline of future opportunities.

"I look forward to working with all my new colleagues and other stakeholders, as Capita continues to successfully deliver innovative digital solutions for its clients and their customers."