We were excited for the sake of some ambitious software businesses in the UK to see that Martin Leuw has stepped down as CEO of IRIS Software in order to pursue a more portfolio existence. Martin has been instrumental in building IRIS into the UK’s largest privately owned software business and his insights into what it takes to do this are going to be hugely valuable to the companies that he will be working with in the future.
Good luck Martin. Great job and we look forward to seeing the growth of the companies that you work with in the next phase of your career.
From IRIS Software.
“The Board of IRIS Software Group Limited today announced the resignation of Martin Leuw as Group Chief Executive. After 10 years in charge at IRIS, Martin Leuw has decided to step down as CEO and move to a Non-Executive role in the business, enabling him to pursue other business interests, whilst remaining involved in the development of IRIS as a business.
“Martin joined the company as Group Chief Executive in 2001, during which time IRIS has grown from 100 employees to 1,200. Group revenues have risen from £9m to £120m and market capitalisation from £30m to over £500m. Under Martin’s leadership IRIS has grown to become one of the UK’s largest private software houses and a sector specialist and market leader.
“During this period of growth, Martin led two Management Buy Outs and has in the last few years recruited a leadership team of Divisional Managing Directors and Group Directors to take IRIS into its next phase of development and growth, enabling him to now step back from the day-to-day running of the business.
“Martin Leuw said: “After 10 years leading IRIS through a period of exceptional growth, I felt it was time for me to pursue other business interests and entrepreneurial opportunities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team; all of our employees and of course our customers, whose loyalty has been integral to IRIS’ success to date. I look forward to a continued involvement with the business in a non-executive capacity”.
“Nick Discombe, the newly appointed Chairman of IRIS added: “Having worked with Martin over the past few years, I know how deeply he cares about the business and particularly its employees and customers. Martin has clearly made a significant impact over his ten years leading IRIS and on behalf of the Board and the team at IRIS; we wish him every success with his new business ventures and look forward to his contribution to the future growth of the business as a Non-Executive.”
If you are stupidly ambitious, and want to work with one of the best in the business, you should thinking about getting in touch!