Former ATC Group chief Alex Tupman has led a MBO at Connect Communications in a bid to build a £100m managed IT services business. Tupman has backing from private equity firm Lloyds Development Capital (LDC). He will work alongside CTO Martin Cross and CFO David Rose and the existing management team and staff.
A previous Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner, Tupman takes the role of CEO at Connect.
From the company's base and network operations centre near Silicon Roundabout in London, and from operations around Europe, Connect supports high-profile global enterprises on a pan-EMEA basis such as Barclays, Coca-Cola, CSC and HP.
Tupman said: "It has taken a time to find such a high quality, well respected and differentiated business as Connect.
"The business has invested heavily in intelligent infrastructure and toolsets within its service centre that can support enterprise clients on a global basis.
"We aim to invest further in Connects' asset light but technology-rich capability, expanding our global reach, our channel and our penetration of the enterprise space, as well as expanding our service portfolio."
Arman Khan who, in conjunction with Andy Thomas and Martin Cross has led Connect's growth, will consult for the business for a short period.
He added: "Martin's perceptive technology direction has enabled Connect to build a well differentiated and profitable business.
"Adding Alex's experience and leadership gives Connect a strong management team, plus the additional financial firepower from LDC to deliver on its strategy."