Stream of exits and layoffs hits VeUP

Several execs have left or been dismissed from the AWS partner including former CEO James Campanini

A series of executive exits is hitting British AWS-focused consultancy VeUP as reviews pile up on Glassdoor criticising the company's "revolving door" culture.

Former CEO James Campanini left the business in August 2023 and has been followed by several other senior leaders in the final months of 2023, according to LinkedIn and Companies House filings.

Former COO Owen Knowles and CFO Suzanne Clarke, who worked with VeUP on a contractor basis, also left the company recently.

Knowles left in February this year.

A source who asked to remain anonymous told CRN that employees are being let go and even threatened with legal action on short notice.

Meanwhile, a second source confirmed a raft of senior departures spanning finance, HR and sales at the start-up, which entered the UK market in early 2023 with Campanini at the helm and Alexander Dick as its chairman.

"Anyone who openly disagrees with management would start being talked about around the business in a negative light, or untruthful rumours about them would start spreading, and then they'd get fired," they said.

A recent review on Glassdoor reads: "My tenure was marked by consistent positive feedback until I voiced concerns about the company's biased hiring practices, which led to my sudden dismissal under the guise of ‘poor performance.'"

When approached for comment, VeUP explained the management changes with its use of interim staff and contractors.

A spokesperson said: "VeUP has expanded at a rapid pace since launching last year and, as a result, our management structure has naturally had to change and adapt, including hiring interim staff and occasionally contractors to fill senior positions as the business grew."