Celerity adds new member to board for M&A deliberation

Managed services provider Celerity has been reinforcing its board with seasoned experts to guide the company as it considers potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The appointment of David Stokes, a former general manager for IBM’s Partner Ecosystem in EMEA, brings valuable experience to the board. Stokes will collaborate with senior management to identify M&A opportunities in the UK and Europe, particularly focusing on the IBM ecosystem.

Celerity’s decision to add Stokes to the board aligns with the company’s goal of strengthening its expertise in IBM’s Watson AI and data platform. CEO Craig Aston emphasized the value that Stokes brings to the table, stating that his experience will play a crucial role in expanding Celerity’s growth strategy. Stokes, in turn, expressed confidence in Celerity’s business model and board, highlighting the company’s potential for scaling up.

Over the past few years, Celerity has pursued a growth strategy through strategic acquisitions. The acquisition of data protection and security firm Silverstring in the previous year and Chilli IT the year before demonstrate Celerity’s commitment to expanding its capabilities and market presence. The private equity firm BGF’s investment of £15 million in 2021 further solidified Celerity’s growth trajectory.

Aston noted that the acquisition of Silverstring allowed Celerity to enhance its cybersecurity offerings and provide advanced solutions to customers. As businesses increasingly prioritize operational resilience and AI integration, Celerity aims to position itself as a trusted partner for enterprise clients seeking AI-driven IT and cybersecurity services.

In a bid to strengthen its position in the IBM Power marketplace in the US, Celerity also appointed Stephen Leonard as an adviser to the board. Leonard’s extensive experience in leadership roles at IBM and Kyndryl positions him as a valuable asset to Celerity’s expansion plans. These strategic appointments reflect Celerity’s commitment to leveraging industry expertise to drive growth and innovation.

As Celerity navigates through the complex landscape of M&A activities and market expansion, the company’s board continues to evolve with seasoned professionals who bring diverse insights and strategic vision. With a focus on operational excellence, innovation, and customer-centric solutions, Celerity is poised for continued growth and success in the dynamic managed services sector.