Air IT hires Barney Taylor as new CEO

IT leader brings over two decades of experience across the channel

Nottingham-based MSP Air IT welcomes Barney Taylor as its new CEO as it intends to “capitalise on the rapidly growing UK SME IT services market.”

The IT vet brings more than 20 years of experience in the channel, working for various companies such as Anite, Sopra Steria, Teliris, Dimension Data, and Ensono.

Taylor also previously held the role of CEO at Brighton-based reseller Focus Group for almost three years.

Under his leadership, the company secured an investment from Hg, bringing it to a $1bn (£782.5m) valuation, fuelling its acquisitive drive ever since.

He left the business in September, with CRO Rhys Bailey taking over as interim CEO.

Air IT is seeking the new CEO’s experience to build growth while focusing on culture and customer services.

Taylor succeeds James Steventon as the head of the company, after the latter took on the position in March 2022.

The former chief executive officer drove the MSP’s expansion strategy with the buyout of solutions provider SCS Technology in March and Microsoft cloud and communications specialist SoConnect in April.

These two investments brought the number of acquisitions made by the VAR to 13.

Air IT also declared that the CEO is to work closely with new chairman Gordon Hurst, appointed in August, and the rest of the leadership team.

“It is a fantastic time to be joining Air IT and working with Gordon and the team at August Equity,” said Taylor.

“Air IT has a clear plan to accelerate over the coming years and as we look to realise this ambition, we will build a business that people love to work in, built on high performance, a clear focus on customer service and a great culture.”

Hurst added: “Barney brings deep expertise of the IT services market, particularly focused on the SME sector.

“Aside from his considerable organic growth and M&A experience, he also has a proven track record in creating a positive culture and a focus on customer service in the businesses that he has run.

“We are excited to have him on board to help Air IT to continue to capitalise on the rapidly growing UK SME IT services market.”

Air IT ranks number 71 in CRN’s Top VARs 2024 List.