Acquisitive IT group adds chief executive to lead next phase of growth

Fast-growing IT group Air IT has positioned itself for the next phase of its growth with the appointment of experienced chief executive James Steventon.

Air IT is backed by August Equity, which made a significant investment in January 2020 and has backed the company’s buy-and-build strategy. Its workforce and revenues have more than trebled and it wants to continue its growth trajectory.

Steventon has previously led several private equity and VC-backed businesses, including travel management business Expotel, public sector digital services business Web Technology Group, and healthtech businesses ExtraMed and Hospedia through to sale.

Air IT chairman Ian Brown, who joined the board as part of the August Equity deal, said: “We’re delighted that James has joined Air IT. He brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record of growth and client-focused excellence in private equity-backed technology businesses like ours.”

Steventon takes over from John Whitty, who has overseen eight acquisitions in his two years as chief executive of the managed IT services provider.

The Nottingham-headquartered group’s most recent published accounts, for the 13 months to December 2020, showed turnover of £10.6m. But the impact of the acquisitions and organic growth mean the group’s annual run-rate has trebled to £34m.

Its workforce has also expanded rapidly, and Steventon will lead a 300-strong team through the next phase of growth as he aims to make the business “the go-to partner for managed IT services in the UK for the SME community”.

Steventon added: “Air IT has proven that the right solutions and passionate support are more valuable to UK businesses than ever. I’m excited to be taking the business forward and continuing to build the team, expand our footprint and enhance our offering.”