All eyes were on Air IT this morning as it unveiled industry veteran Barney Taylor as its new CEO.
Former Focus Group CEO Taylor replaces James Steventon in the hotseat of the rapidly grown, SMB-focused MSP.
Here we round up four things to know about Nottingham-based Air IT’s new leader.
1. A CV ‘Taylor made’ for Air IT
Who better to appoint to lead a PE-backed MSP than someone who’s already been there and got the t-shirt?
Taylor joins following a three-year stint as CEO of Hg-backed Focus Group, and before that spent three years as the European MD of PE-backed Ensono.
A two year-stint heading up Dimension Data’s UK business is among the other relevant gigs on his CV.
Air IT said Taylor “has achieved significant and demonstrable growth in private equity-backed businesses”.
2. He helped create a unicorn
As Air IT was quick to point out, Taylor led Focus Group to $1bn so-called ‘unicorn’ status in April.
Shoreham-by-Sea-based IT and comms provider Focus now has over 1,000 staff following a string of M&A moves (including more than ten in 2024 alone).
Taylor will “bring this experience and begin a new chapter with Air IT”, Air IT said in the press release.
3. August Equity preparing for “next stage of growth”
Air IT has made 13 acquisitions since August Equity invested in 2020, with its revenues jumping from £10.6m in that year to £62.9m in calendar 2023. August’s goal was to create a nationwide SMB-focused MSP with local reach.
The Nottingham-based MSP’s M&A rate has slowed during the tougher market, however – it has publicly announced just two deals in 2024 (following one in 2023).
August Equity Partner Mehul Patel said in a statement that the private equity house is “looking forward to working with [Taylor] on the next stage of growth”.
4. He’s part of a new duo
Taylor will work alongside another recent edition to Air IT’s team, in the shape of Chairman Gordon Hurst.
“Barney brings deep expertise of the IT services market, particularly focused on the SME sector,” Hurst said.
“Aside from his considerable organic growth and M&A experience, he also has a proven track record in creating a positive culture and a focus on customer service in the businesses that he has run.”
Air IT confirmed that Steventon has left the business.
