Converged ICT Services Provider GCI is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick De Smedt as Non-Executive Chairman. Patrick brings a wealth of experience to GCI including 23 years with Microsoft which he joined in 1983 when it was a mere 200 employees. Patrick was one of its first appointments in Europe and his career culminated in the role of Chairman for Microsoft Europe Middle East and Africa. He has since joined a number of public and private (equity backed) Boards, since leaving Microsoft at the end of 2006 including Kodak Alaris Holdings Ltd, Morgan Sindall Plc, PageGroup Plc, Victrex Plc and KCOM Group Plc.
The appointment sees current Chairman Wayne Martin step down from the role but remain on the GCI board. This follows Wayne having successfully overseen Mayfair Equity Partners (“Mayfair”) taking a majority stake in the business on the 8th May and bringing with it a new strategic fund worth over £60 million to provide GCI with significant financial firepower to finance future strategic acquisitions.
Adrian Thirkill, CEO of GCI said:
“We’re looking forward to working with Patrick as we begin an exciting new phase in GCI’s growth story. As one of Microsoft’s key UK partners Patrick’s experience aligns perfectly to what we need as a business."
"I have worked with Patrick in a previous role and know what a great strategic thinker he is, as well as his passion for technology and supporting high growth businesses. It’s a perfect fit for GCI.”
Patrick De Smedt said:
