The former chief executive of Belfast-based Kainos plc is returning to the top job 15 months after stepping down.
The IT provider, which is the only NI firm listed on the FTSE 250, announced the return of Brendan Mooney in a London Stock Exchange update on Wednesday.
It announced that Russell Sloan, who had taken over from Mr Mooney in September last year, is “stepping down with immediate effect”.
The firm said its expectations for trading over the year to March 31 2025 were unchanged from interim results announced a month ago.
Shares in the company rose following the announcement.
Read more
Mr Mooney first began working for Kainos in 1989, and served as CEO for 22 years. He ushered the company through its IPO in 2015, and “turned Kainos into an international business and one of the UK’s leading IT providers,” the company said.
Mr Sloan had joined the company in 1999, serving in leadership roles such as director of its digital services division.
Rosaleen Blair, chair of Kainos, said: “We are delighted to welcome Brendan back to the role of CEO. Having overseen a hugely successful period of growth for Kainos, he needs very little introduction to anyone connected with the group.
“Brendan’s knowledge of the group, its challenges and opportunities is unsurpassed and we look forward to a clear focus on a return to growth.”
She added: “I would also like to thank Russell for the enormous contribution that he has made to Kainos in his 25 years with the group.
“He played a key role in the development of Kainos. In his time with the business, it went from a small private company to an international business operating in over 20 countries. He leaves with our gratitude and respect and we wish him every success in the future.”
Mr Mooney said he was “delighted” to return to the CEO role, adding that he saw “significant growth opportunities ahead”.
“My time since stepping down as CEO has given me a fresh perspective on Kainos and its potential, and I am looking forward to supporting the team in delivering the next phase of our growth.”
Mr Sloan added: “It has been a privilege to work with so many talented people over my 25 year career in Kainos and I’m tremendously proud of everything we have achieved and delivered for our clients. My best wishes for the future success of Kainos.”