Ian Poole
UXC Connect CEO Ian Poole will leave the company on April 29, taking a six-month sabbatical following over 40 years of service to the IT industry.
Speaking exclusively to ARN, Poole departs after five years in the UXC Connect hot seat, overseeing significant growth at a local level.
“After 40 years in the IT Industry, and 14 very enjoyable years at UXC, I felt that I needed to take time out to relax and get a better work life balance, and with the acquisition of UXC by CSC it was the right time to do this,” Poole said.
“My five years as CEO of UXC Connect have been extremely gratifying and enjoyable.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the smartest and capable people in the industry, as well as having the pleasure of working with a diverse group of partners and customers.
“I have decided to take a six-month break, and spend time with my family. We have planned some overseas travel and a few projects such as home renovations and extending my boating qualifications. During this time I will determine what comes next for me.”
Poole departs the company seven months after global IT services provider CSC revealed plans to acquire ASX-listed UXC for $428 million.
As reported by ARN in October 2015, under the agreement, CSC took control of UXC Group and the 12 companies under its umbrella, including UXC Connect, UXC Oxygen, UXC Eclipse, UXC Consulting and Telsyte.
With the transition finalised in February of this year, Poole confirmed to ARN that during the past three months, he has worked closely with CSC to ensure the “smooth transition and integration” of UXC Connect into CSCs Global Infrastructure Services Organisation (GIS).
“During the period since the initial acquisition announcement, I have had time to think about my future, and discuss this with my wife and two sons,” he added.
“The acquisition has enabled me to transition the UXC Connect Business to CSC in a professional and transparent way, so as to minimise any impact to our people and customers, and allow me to move on.”
In terms of the new structure, a CSC spokesperson told ARN that the UXC Connect brand will continue to operate as a business unit within the GIS organisation.
"Our integration efforts will ensure we harness the best of GIS and UXC Connect to bring maximum value to our joint clients," a spokesperson confirmed via an emailed statement to ARN.
"Rob McCabe will lead UXC connect reporting to Peter Fury who will lead the combined businesses moving forward."
During the next six months, Poole said he will “take time out” to relax on decide on his future direction, hinting at a possible return to the local IT industry before the end of the year.
“I have always enjoyed working with the people, partners and customers within the IT Industry in Australia,” he added. “Having a passion for the IT Industry, I think it is likely that I will return, but probably in a different venture.
“I am open to new ideas, new ventures and opportunities, including assisting youth and innovation, as this will be the future driver of the IT Industry in Australia.”
Previously the driving force behind the startup and growth of Integ Group since its formation in 2002, Poole was appointed UXC Connect CEO in July 2011, following the merger of Integ Group, XSI Data Solutions and Getronics.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the ICT industry, both internationally and within Australia, Poole has also worked with organisations including Alcatel Australia, Nortel, Honeywell and AWA.
A recent highlight for Poole came in November 2013, with UXC Connect securing a $20 million infrastructure outsourcing contract with Melbourne Water.
“There have been many highlights, but the growth and development of the business over 14 years is a key one for me,” he added.
“Initially from a small startup such as Integ, followed by the acquisitions of XSI and Getronics, and the merger of these three companies to create UXC Connect has been gratifying as we’ve formed one of Australia's largest IT infrastructure and managed services companies.”
