Kevin Newport and William Webb in Board of affini

Systems integrator affini has announced a change at the top, with Kevin Newport appointed as CEO and William Webb as head of consulting. Both new board members have a background in the consulting industry – Newport previously served EDS, Capgemini and EY, while Webb earlier in his career had a stint with PA Consulting Group.

TTG-owned affini is a systems integrator with an end-to-end offering across ICT, wireless and real-time communications. The Basingstoke based IT consultancy supports clients with the design, delivery and operations of real-time communications environments.

The move to appoint Kevin Newport and William Webb is part of a drive to build on the company’s core strength in the aviation sector, where affini has operations at 23 UK airports, to target new markets and internationalise the business. Newport takes over from former CEO Jason Colombo, who has left the company, and will shape and manage the next phase of business growth. He joins with a track record that includes senior roles in technology, media and consulting sectors with the BBC, Technicolor, Siemens, Capgemini and EY.

“affini has a great track record in delivering unified communications and IT services while also working with customers to develop their long term technology roadmaps. Taking our existing expertise in asset tracking and critical communications we will partner with customers on emerging technologies like M2M but with a clear focus on driving value to the business,” comments Newport on his new role.

Webb has been tasked with growing the firm’s consultancy business. Webb, a well-known innovator and former president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, has a background that includes being at the forefront of developing Internet of Things technology, roles with Ofcom and Motorola coupled with expert knowledge and experience in the engineering and communications’ sectors. Between 2001 and 2003 he also served PA Consulting Group as a Managing Consultant.

Mike Norfield, CEO of TTG, says he is “delighted with the appointments”, adding “The new management team brings leadership, technology experience and an international network of contacts at the highest level. This will enable affini to continue delivering operational services while adding value by helping customers on their journey to deliver value through innovation.”