COMMUNITY PROFILE

Ian Brown

Executive Chairman

Secure Data

Ian is an established entrepreneur, investor, chairman and business leader operating in the technology, software, communications and IT services sectors. He is Executive Chairman of SecureData, a cybersecurity services business providing enterprises with a comprehensive range of IT security solutions and managed services. He is also Chairman of Peach Technologies, a leading IT and communications provider focused on SME business customers across the UK. During 2014 and 2015 Ian had a spell as Chairman of GCI, a private equity backed business that specialises in managed/cloud based services.

Ian was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Axell Wireless, a leading global manufacturer of wireless coverage solutions for both public safety and cellular applications. Ian created Axell Wireless following a 2007 MBI (management buy in) of Aerial Facilities in the UK backed by private equity and institutional investors, and the subsequent acquisitions of Avitec AB of Sweden and Dekolink of Israel in 2008 and 2009 respectively. In May 2013, Axell was acquired by Cobham plc, the FTSE250 communications and defence technology company, for up to £85m and the business now sits within Cobham’s Antenna Systems business unit.

Prior to creating Axell, Ian was Chief Executive Officer of Redstone plc, a UK listed communications service provider from 2001-2005. Whilst at Redstone, Ian led the turnaround and refinancing of the company, taking it from a significant loss-making position to one of stable growth, negotiated the industry’s first network outsourcing contract with BT, and completed the acquisition of a major competitor. Ian had come to Redstone through its 2000 acquisition of Fastnet Group, a leading network and IT services company that he created in 1995 through another MBI and whose sale returned institutional investors 10 x their original investment. Ian has also operated Consilium Associates, a business advisory and turnaround practice and spent his early career with US technology giants Hewlett Packard and 3Com.