Ark makes senior appointments

In recent months, Ark Data Centres, who pioneer the design, construction and operation of the UK's most efficient data centres, has won a number of both substantial and smaller - but by no means any less significant – new client deals. With a constantly swelling client community and pipeline, the Company has made the next evolution in how it operates to ensure that it continues to thrive and remain true to its strategic intent.

Steve Webb has been appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Ark Data Centres, to head up the newly created Office of the CIO. Webb joined the Company as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2008 and has, to date, been responsible for end to end operations from design and build through to live services to service delivery.

"I can think of no better candidate,” commented Huw Owen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ark Data Centres. "Steve has a vast understanding of Ark's offering, the market and is equipped with exactly the level of commercial acumen that we require for him to shape and drive this new function. This is truly a critical next step in Ark's evolution.”

Reporting to Webb in the Office of the CIO are Pip Squire, Director of Design, and Jason Liggins, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), whose combined array of experience and ability will greatly enhance Ark Data Centres' understanding and impact on the market and its consequent alignment to ensure continued best effect...

Replacing Webb in the role of COO is Douglas Aikman who has joined Ark Data Centres from HP where his last assignment was as Account Delivery Executive for Royal Dutch Shell, in charge of delivering infrastructure operations across the globe. Being new to the Company, Aikman brings a wealth of experience which includes a fresh perspective, enabling him to apply his significant, relevant knowledge and ability to challenge Ark Data Centres to take its game to the next level.

"Importantly,” continued Owen, "as a proven leader in both his military and business careers, Doug will doubtless engage with and lead the Ark operational team and its partners with real vigour.”

Another role created to support the strategic growth plan of the Company is that of Head of Security to which Mark Brown has been appointed. A new member of the Ark Data Centre team, Brown is another hugely experienced operator who has held global security and risk roles both within the RAF and across private multinational companies, the most recent being with TOR International in the Middle East.