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Evolve appoints Lee Simpson as CFO Amidst Rapid Growth & Strategic Expansion
Fri, 29th Sep 2023

IT and managed networks provider Evolve has announced a series of key appointments, marking a significant step in its strategic growth plan. Lee Simpson joins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), bringing with him considerable financial acumen and a history of leading strategic expansion. The news comes as Evolve experiences rapid growth, doubling its headcount and acquiring two businesses—GB3 and 4G Voice and Data—in the past year.

Lee Simpson previously served as CFO at UK Hire Group, overseeing a remarkable 22% year-on-year revenue growth. He also boasts an impressive track record in the mergers and acquisitions (M and A) sector, having held leading roles at Slater & Gordon, DCC Technology (Exertis), Ainscough Crane Hire, and Tyco International.

"I am honoured to take on the position of Chief Financial Officer at Evolve," says Simpson. "Joining the company during a phase of expansion and growth is truly thrilling. This opportunity aligns perfectly with the current digital landscape in the UK, where businesses are increasingly recognising the crucial role of managed network solutions in their success."

Alongside Simpson, Evolve has also welcomed Paul Washington as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Dean Lord as Account Director. Washington brings more than 20 years' experience in financial services and IT networks, having held senior roles at firms like Cognizant, IBM, Sopra Banking Software, and Atom Bank. Lord is a specialist in large scale deployments of solutions such as SD-WAN and previously served as Head of Connectivity at MLR Networks.

Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO at Evolve, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments: "We are very pleased to welcome Lee, Paul and Dean to our business. Handpicked by our board due to their significant expertise and impressive careers, these strategic hires represent a special milestone in our journey."

Stephenson-Brown also underscored the significance of the new hires in the company's growth trajectory: "The board is delighted to have appointed Lee as our new Chief Financial Officer. He is a proven leader, with deep financial experience and a history of having transformed businesses. I look forward to supporting him as we drive our long-term strategy to transform Evolve, ensuring it delivers for all our customers."

He adds, “We are also privileged to welcome Paul, our incoming Director of Strategic Partnerships, to our team. Paul shares our commitment to excellence in customer services and I know he will be an incredible addition to Evolve."

The three new appointments are emblematic of Evolve's commitment to sustaining top-tier support for its customers and partners as it continues on a path of accelerated growth and expansion. With such a formidable executive team in place, the company appears well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.