Gamma Communications Welcomes Martin Hellawell as Chair
London, UK 25 May 2023 – Gamma Communications plc (“Gamma”), a leading technology-based provider of communication services is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Hellawell as Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Board, effective from 1 July 2023. Martin will succeed Richard Last, who we communicated would be stepping down from his role earlier this year after serving as Chair for an impressive nine years.
Martin brings with him a wealth of experience from his distinguished career and has demonstrated his exceptional leadership abilities across multiple organisations in the IT industry. He is currently serving as Non-Executive Chair of Softcat plc, Raspberry Pi Limited and AIM listed musicMagpie plc as well as a Non-Executive Director of AIM listed Team17 plc.
Prior to his current roles, Martin served as the Chief Executive of Softcat from 2006 to 2018, successfully leading the company through its flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2015. His previous experience also includes over a decade at Computacenter plc, where he held various key positions and spearheaded acquisitions in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany.
Expressing her delight about the appointment, Henrietta Marsh, Senior Independent Director, said, ”The Board is delighted to have attracted a candidate with the qualities and experience of Martin. His commercial track record and industry background means he will provide outstanding direction and support for the Board and management team as Gamma focuses on its next stage of growth. We are all looking forward to working with him.
On behalf of the whole Board, I’d like to thank Richard for his exceptional service over the last nine years. Under his strategic guidance, Gamma delivered its successful IPO in 2014 and has in every year since seen growth in adjusted profit before tax and dividends. At the same time, Richard has put in place the modern governance and Board that serves the company today. We are grateful to have benefitted from his experience and wisdom. He will be greatly missed and we wish him well for the future.”
Andrew Belshaw, CEO at Gamma, warmly welcomes Martin Hellawell to the Gamma team, saying, “I am thrilled to have Martin join us as Chair. Gamma has always been admired for its market leadership, exceptional client relationships, and strong product portfolio. With the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, I am confident that Martin’s expertise and guidance will be instrumental in helping Gamma grow in the times ahead.”
Richard Last, departing as Chair, expressed his gratitude and confidence in Gamma’s future, saying, “Gamma has achieved a huge amount since 2014 when it went public, with a market cap of c £165m. Today, the business is valued at over £1.1bn with operations across Europe and further exciting opportunities ahead. I’ve enjoyed every moment working with the fantastic team at Gamma and wish them every success going forward. I’ve no doubt that Martin will provide remarkable leadership as he takes Gamma on the next stage of its growth.”
The entire Board extends its sincere thanks to Richard Last for his exceptional service and strategic guidance. Under his stewardship, Gamma achieved significant milestones and expanded operations across Europe.
Commenting on his appointment as Chair, Martin Hellawell said “I am delighted to be joining Gamma as Chair. It is a business that I have admired for some time – having established itself as a market leader with outstanding client relationships and a strong product portfolio. There are some exciting opportunities, and I am looking forward to working with the Board and management to help Gamma capitalise on those in the times ahead.”
Gamma is excited about the future with Martin Hellawell as Chair and looks forward to leveraging his expertise to achieve its vision and goals for the future.
