Mike Aspinall is the new managing director of RedSky, the IT software group. He succeeds Mark Chambers who is reported to have quit.
Explore, the Canadian-based IT group run by Jim McFarlane, completed the deal to acquire RedSky last Friday, with the cheque being handed over earlier today (Monday).
In a back-to-back transaction, McFarlane immediately sold on parts of RedSky that he views as non-core to its future: software for use in the hospitality, travel and retail sectors.
McFarlane has retained software operations for construction and professional services. He has also kept RedSky’s “head-office function”.
Chambers issued an email to his friends saying that he was leaving with immediate effect.
Aspinall, who had been the group’s chief technician, managing the writing of software, takes over the reins. His top team is made up of Craig Norford (finance director), Stuart Nutbeen (sales and marketing) and Steve Tosh (quality director)
RedSky staff were told of the changes today and the press will be told of developments tomorrow.
Also, a notice going out to staff tomorrow will inform them that should customers express reservations about the latest development, then McFarlane himself will be happy to speak to them personally.
The imminent notice is reported to contain a quotation from McFarlane saying, “I travel the world looking at software solutions for construction and RedSky is in the magic quadrant.”
Reassurances could be needed. John Marchant, chief operating officer for Tekton, a software rival, said: “We are already getting enquiries from RedSky customers who are nervous about the acquisition.”