Mason Advisory installs Paul Pugh as new CEO
As the digital and technology consultancy looks to set out a new growth strategy, Mason Advisory has installed Paul Pugh as CEO. He moves to the top job from his previous position as e from Head of Consulting, signalling a strategic management and governance change for the Manchester business.
With offices in Manchester and London, Mason Advisory enables organisations to deliver value through digital, data and technology transformation, solving complex business challenges through the intelligent use of IT resources including IT strategy and transformation, sourcing, architecture, cybersecurity, and IT delivery. It operates in sectors such as finance and banking, legal and law, health, insurance, emergency services, education, retail, government, not-for-profit, and transport.
Paul Pugh joined the advisory firm in 2016, arriving from Big Four firm KPMG. In the years since, he has been responsible for implementing and advising on IT service improvement strategies, IT transformation and providing leadership to the management team. Looking ahead, he will now take responsibility for the running of the business and overseeing of operations, as the company looks to meet an ambitious set of goals.
Pugh commented, “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of CEO, leading us into our next phase of growth and building on recent successes. We have a clear strategy for the business – to double turnover in the next two to three years through organic growth, continuing to build the client brand and develop the team, growing our client base, and strengthening our service offering. I’m looking forward to working closely with our customers, colleagues and partners and I’m confident we can achieve our goals and maintain our reputation as a leading player in the digital and technology advisory market.”
As Pugh takes on the top job, incumbent CEO and founder, Steve Watmough, steps back to become an Executive Chairman role. Supporting Pugh to grow and develop the business, Watmough will continue to help with the day-to-day running of the business in a transition period, but will also focus on external initiatives such as his roles as vice president of the MCA (Management Consultancies Association) and chair of the MCA SME committee. He also remains a Trustee of Child Poverty Action Group and a member of the Cabinet Office SME panel.
Speaking on his successor, Watmough added, “It’s important to continue to evolve the business to meet the changing requirements of our clients and staff. I am delighted that Paul is taking on the CEO role – he has a wealth of experience following his 17 years in the industry, and knows our business inside out, having been an integral member of our team for the last six years. He has assisted in the growth of the business in that time and has a proven track record in the consulting industry, developing talent and providing guidance and solutions for clients.”
Earlier this year, Mason Advisory was short-listed for a number of prizes at the annual MCA Awards. The firm was nominated for the Change and Transformation in the Public Sector category, for its work with the London Ambulance Service. Meanwhile Ben Gibbins was nominated for the individual honour of Young Consultant of the Year, and Paul Atherton was put up for Team Leader Consultant of the Year.
