People: virtualDCS; SEW-EURODRIVE UK; HSL Chairs; and more

Leeds-based cloud hosting and cyber resilience specialist, virtualDCS, has unveiled a new senior leadership team as it enters its next growth phase, backed by investment from private equity firm MonacoSol.

Newly appointed chief executive officer Alex Wilmot will lead the company’s next chapter, succeeding original founder Richard May, who transitions into product development director.

Wilmot brings over 20 years of experience in managed services, strategic transformation, and sales growth.

Having held senior leadership roles at Ingram Micro, Redcentric, and Daisy, he has a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving innovation.

Under his leadership, virtualDCS will strengthen its technical capabilities while evolving its sales strategy to deliver more outcome-driven solutions for its clients.

Wilmot said: “I’m thrilled to be joining virtualDCS – a business renowned for its expertise in data integrity, data protection, and cyber resilience – at this point in its journey.

“Its portfolio of services couldn’t be more relevant for organisations looking to protect their data against the growing threats entering the landscape every day.

“With MonacoSol’s backing, we’re building on an already exceptional proposition while accelerating our ability to scale.”

Dan Nichols, a co-founder of the business, has also returned as chief technology officer after more than a decade leading technology teams at Sleek Networks, Secura Hosting, and WebContractor.

In his role, he is focused on strengthening virtualDCS’s technology partnerships and streamlining transactions as the company scales.

Meanwhile, former CTO and fellow co-founder John Murray has transitioned to solutions director, where he will continue to work closely with clients to build long-term partnerships.

Nichols said: “We’re a business built on trust, and I want to ensure we continue delivering the level of service our customers expect while broadening our technological capabilities.

“We’ll be modernising our offerings, expanding our resilience-focused solutions, and working with the right partners to enhance our services.”

Joining as chief revenue officer, Kieran Brady brings over 40 years of experience in sales leadership at major telecom and IT firms, including BT, Capita, Deutsche Telekom, Gamma, and Redcentric.

He said: “My priority is ensuring we deeply understand customer needs and provide solutions tailored to their business continuity and cyber resilience requirements.

“We’ll use AI-driven insights to target the right customers and continue building a team to deliver best-in-class service.

“Customers and colleagues are my joint priority because having the right team enables us to provide industry-leading services.”

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Normanton-based specialist in drive technology, SEW-EURODRIVE UK, has boosted its UK sales division with the appointment of two new sales professionals.

Chizoba Afuba and Hannah Murray join as area sales managers for clients in the midlands areas of the UK, having both worked in the drives industry for several years.

Afuba brings 11 years of industry experience to her role, having previously worked selling engineering solutions to end users and managing distributors within the West African region. She also briefly worked in the compliance and certification industry.

Her expertise lies in understanding user needs and ensuring customer satisfaction, with Afuba having developed customised training packages for her previous clients tailored to address specific needs and pain points.

Murray meanwhile joins from multinational technology conglomerate Siemens, and previously spent 17 years in the power transmission industry.

Her experience is focused mostly on electric motors, and she has worked in internal and external roles in manufacturing, distribution, and reselling.

In her role at SEW-EURODRIVE, Murray will be responsible for ensuring the customer base is being supported and serviced to the highest standard, whilst working on increasing market penetration and turnover.

Andy Turner, sales and operations manager, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Chizoba and Hannah to our external sales team.

“They both bring a great variety of drives and engineering experience to their roles, with a significant focus on managing customer needs and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality services.

“As we look to keep providing exceptional engineering solutions to our current customers and new clients alike, Chizoba and Hannah will be instrumental in championing the innovation and drive technology expertise that SEW-EURODRIVE has become known for leading on.”

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Furniture manufacturer and retailer, HSL Chairs, has appointed Ben Waters, previous operations director and third-generation family member, as chief executive officer, following the departure of managing director Vanessa Hodgson.

Waters has played a key role in West Yorkshire-based HSL’s development, leading an overhaul of logistics in 2022.

Having joined the company as head of logistics and stock, he later served as group operations director on the board, driving operational excellence across the business.

He said: “My journey at HSL has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m honoured to take on the role of CEO.

“This new position presents an exciting opportunity to build on our strong foundations and lead HSL into its next phase of growth, while staying true to our heritage and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and customer service.

“As a third-generation family member, I’m proud to continue the legacy of quality and style that has defined HSL for over 55  years, ensuring that we remain a trusted name for our customers.”

His appointment follows the strengthening of the HSL board, including the recent addition of chief financial officer Gerard Cahill.

Over the past 12 months, HSL has focused on expanding its board with highly experienced individuals, including brand marketing director James Randall and retail director Eddie Bojtler.

William and Debra Burrows, owners of the business, said: “Ben’s leadership will ensure HSL’s core values remain at the heart of everything we do.

“As we embark on an exciting phase of growth, Ben will continue to strengthen our commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.”

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Homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets, has appointed a new member to its board of trustees – Richard Michie, founder of Leeds agency The Marketing Optimist.

Michie has supported the charity for over 10 years. His marketing agency is a corporate sponsor and member of its £500 for 5 programme.

The agency has raised thousands of pounds over the years taking part in sponsored walks, Simon on the Streets annual sleepouts and most recently a fire walk in central Leeds.

Michie said: “Being appointed as a trustee at Simon on the Streets is a real honour.

“The first time I met the Simon on the Streets team was quite emotional. Hearing the stories of homeless people they help really made me appreciate how lucky I am to have a safe place to live and people around you.

“So when I launched my business nine years ago there was no doubt in my mind which charity we would support.”

CEO of Simon on the Streets, Natalie Clark, added: “I am pleased that Richard, after so many years as a fervent supporter of the Charity, has now joined the Board of Trustees.

“In addition to his passion for the charity, Richard brings with him a wealth of experience in the Marketing arena which can only help benefit the journey that Simon on the Streets has been on in this particular area.

“In my nearly five years with the charity Richard has been a regular at nearly every corporate social, fundraising event and challenge we have undertaken and it’s such a pleasure to have him on the board of trustees.”