EMIS CEO Riddell to retire

SEAN Riddell, the man who has played a major part in the growth of GP and pharmacy software supplier EMIS, is stepping down from his role as chief executive to spend more time with his family.

The Leeds-based stock market quoted company said this morning that Mr Riddell would retire from his full-time executive role to focus on his family commitments.

As a result Chris Spencer, presently EMIS’s chief administrative officer, is to join the company’s board and will work alongside Mr Riddell as joint chief executive with immediate effect.

Mr Spencer will then become interim chief executive of EMIS on March 21, when Mr Riddell will formally step down from his executive role and the company will publish its annual results.
 
Mr Riddell will remain on the board as a non executive director.

The board is to begin the hunt for a permanent successor immediately, and said both external and internal candidates are being considered.

EMIS has enjoyed success since its flotation, growing both revenues and profits.

Mike O’Leary, Chairman of EMIS, said: “Sean has made an immense contribution to EMIS’s success over more than two decades, notably since flotation in April 2010 when Sean has been the public face of EMIS.

“Having led the company for over 12 years, Sean wishes to devote more time to his family commitments and we have therefore agreed that it is an appropriate juncture for him to step down as CEO, whilst remaining active for a period in a non-executive role.”
 
He added: “Chris Spencer has been deeply involved in all aspects of EMIS’s commercial, operational and strategic management for the last 14 years and I am confident he will step up successfully into his new role.” 
 
Mr Riddell said: “I am enormously proud of how EMIS has grown and evolved since I joined in 1989. After twenty-three years with the business I have decided that it is right for me to step back from my full time role and let others take the business to the next level. The future development of EMIS will be led by a talented executive management team which has been expanded and strengthened in recent years.
 
“Chris has long been a pivotal member of this leadership team, and a major contributor at both a strategic and operational level. I have no doubt of EMIS’s continued success under his stewardship.
 
EMIS also announced this morning that it has appointed Andy McKeon as a new non executive director with immediate effect.