DECIMAL Software (ASX:DSX, “Decimal” or “the Company”) announced today that highly respected enterprise software executive, Mr Mark Potts, has been appointed as the Company’s new non-executive chairman.
Mr Potts brings further enterprise software and financial sector experience to Decimal, having led a distinguished 25-year career in Australia and the US.
He has worked with Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE), Ajilon, Growth Equities Mutual and Sealcorp, as well as founding a number of successful start-ups and working with venture capital companies.
Commencing in the role immediately, he currently holds the position of Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Corporate Strategy with HPE.
Decimal CEO Nic Pollock said it had been the intention of the board to appoint a chairman with significant technology industry experience.
“The timing of Mark’s appointment fits perfectly with our strategic growth plans,” Mr Pollock said. “Mark has the global enterprise technology market skills we were looking for, and as a bonus, experience in the financial services market.
“We recently launched the first of our two distinct enterprise digital-advice solutions, while our pipeline of contractual opportunities with major Australian and international banks, superannuation funds and other financial institutions continues to strengthen.
“This is being driven in part with compliance becoming increasingly important to institutional decisions.
“Under the guidance of outgoing chairman Robert Kirtlan, the board was in a fortunate position to consider several strong candidates for the role.”
Mr Pollock said the Company was highly appreciative of the work completed by Mr Kirtlan during his time serving on the board of Decimal and predecessor Aviva Corporation.
“Rob has steered the Company through a number of successful capital raisings and asset sales over the years which ultimately enabled Decimal to continue development,” he said.
“He stepped into the chairman’s role and brought a number of significant shareholders to the Company, ensuring Decimal’s go-to-market phase remained uninterrupted. This enabled the board and management to remain focused on delivering the world’s best digital-advice platform.”
Commenting on the change, Mr Kirtlan said: “With the appointment of Mark Potts, the Company now has another highly regarded professional who comes with intimate knowledge of the enterprise IT industry and global financial services sector.
“I will remain involved unofficially to assist with market and corporate related matters, but it’s an ideal time for a change of expertise at board level and Mark is a fantastic appointment to help Decimal capitalise on its current position.”
Mr Potts brings a combination of technical and financial sector expertise to Decimal. He said he looked forward to expanding on the good work being achieved by the Company’s management.
“The global appetite for digital advice is growing rapidly, particularly in the enterprise space as banks and financial institutions look for appropriate solutions to bolster their offerings to customers,” Mr Potts said.
“Our immediate focus is to continue bringing experts to the business who understand technology and its role in helping financial services organisations engage with clients, but in a smart and efficient manner.”
Mr Potts said to continue the Company’s recent successes in taking solutions to market, an advisory board was being established to ensure Decimal stayed abreast of growing demands. The advisory board would be made up of banking and compliance experts.
