New man at helm of tech innovator

AN AMBITIOUS tech company has appointed a new CEO to drive its international growth.

Technically Compatible, a Sunderland Software Centre based business that helps recruiters make better hires and CTOs build better teams, has announced that sales director Mike Rohan, who was appointed earlier this year, will step into a new role as chief executive officer, as the company looks to exploit international opportunities, following support from North Star Ventures.

The business, which currently employs 10 people, has agreed deals that have seen it gain traction in markets in the Philippines, the US and Australia, and it is already on course to double its customer base this year, something Mr Rohan has helped to drive.

Mike joined the business from Sage, where he had held a senior sales position, and has been at the core of the firm’s management team since. He now hopes to raise further investment, with a view to further expanding the company in 2018.

Mr Rohan said: “I joined Technically Compatible because the company offered the opportunity to be a part of the leadership team at a dynamic North East business with a category-killing product.

“It’s fantastic to be in the position now to lead this business and ensure we have a very clear plan for expansion, that the whole team understand and can contribute to. We are a hugely ambitious business, and I will be ensuring that we fulfil the enormous potential we have in my new role as CEO.”

He added: “I’m delighted with the progress the team has made in terms of developing the product, the fantastic customer wins we have secured and the growth we’ve seen over the last 8 months.

“Just as this financial year comes to a close, I am looking forward to more of the same as we look to double the size of the customer base over the next year, increase our headcount and fly the flag for the North East as a successful SaaS business taking the IT assessment market by storm.”

The company is supported by technology brands Sage and ZeroLight and globally by corporations such as CA Technologies and KPMG. It now works with customers from 14 countries around the world.

Maurice Whittle, chairman of the Technically Compatible board, said: “Mike joined the business in early 2017 from Sage, bringing with him over a decade of software industry know-how. Since that time, Mike has transformed our sales operation. His experience in leading teams, developing enterprise business and passionately serving customers at a global scale makes him an extraordinary fit for the role of CEO.

“I am delighted with the appointment and look forward to Mike leading the next stage of growth at Technically Compatible.”

Technically Compatible offers a platform that allows businesses to test the technical competency of potential recruits as well as their existing staff, accelerating the tech recruitment process whilst reducing the risk of making very costly bad hires. The company has made a significant investment in its technology and is set to launch a new platform in the coming months that will add to its capabilities.

Michelle Cooper, Investment Director at Northstar Ventures – a regional venture capital firm which backed Technically Compatible in 2016 – said: “Since his appointment as Sales Director, Mike has impressed us with his vision for the company and his drive to get things done. His promotion to CEO was a natural progression and we’re excited to see what he is able to achieve now he’s at the helm.

The business was founded in 2014, and has enjoyed rapid growth, having moved to a larger office within Sunderland Software Centre to accommodate its expansion.

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Technically Compatible is a trailblazing business and it is clear that Mike has made a huge impact since joining its expanding team.

“The expansion seen by the business is hugely impressive, and the fact that it is exporting around the world, and with that, taking the name of Sunderland far and wide, is fantastic. Sunderland has a growing knowledge economy, that is driven by bold, ambitious businesses like Technically Compatible.

“We wish him the very best of luck in his new role and look forward to supporting the company as it continues to grow and expand under his leadership.”

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