After 13 years at the helm of Atamis, Nick James has chosen to step down as Managing Director. Nick, however, will not be leaving the Banyan Group and will continue to provide strategic advice to Atamis in a consultancy capacity for the foreseeable future. Transition plans for Nick’s role have been in place with Banyan for several months and, after an extensive search for a replacement, both externally and within Atamis, the decision has been made to appoint Phil Musgrave to the role of CEO. A process is already underway to back-fill the role of Operations Director.

Nick commented: “It’s been a tremendous privilege to have seen the company I set up 13 years ago grow so strongly. This is not a sudden decision to step down. My intention has long been to develop the business to a point where it is self-sustainable, but there were always three things I wanted to feel comfortable with before stepping back: firstly, to find a permanent, stable business owner with objectives that aligned to mine, secondly to strengthen my Senior Management Team to the point where their collective decision-making ability exceeded my own, and finally to find a CEO to continue the success story of Atamis.

“I’m very happy to say that in the last 12 months we’ve made tremendous progress on all counts and I’m now completely confident that we have the platform for Atamis to expand its service delivery to support our existing clients and, in time, to expand into further markets.

“I’m delighted with the appointment of Phil Musgrave as my successor. His previous experience is ideal for the role, and he has become a huge asset to the business over the last 8 months. Phil has become so deeply engaged with clients and staff that it feels like he’s been part of the team for years. He brings renewed energy along with his calm, reassuring and focused approach which is such a good fit for our corporate culture.

“I wish him every success and will continue to be available to provide advice and support to Phil and the SMT for as long as is required.”

Phil Musgrave said: “I am thrilled and humbled by my appointment as Atamis CEO. I hope to build on the impressive legacy Nick has created and, along with our extremely able and talented SMT, lead the business to the next level.

“My appointment represents continuity and stability, for our employees and our clients alike. As we enter this exciting new phase in our growth, the team will continue to expand and we will develop from within wherever appropriate so there will be many career development opportunities for our people.

“My focus will be on getting the best out of our people, working hard to ensure client success and maintaining all the positive aspects of the Atamis culture so that we continue to be a great place to work and a great service provider.”

Atamis’s Operating Partner at parent company Banyan Software, Darren Harris, added: “I have nothing but admiration for Nick and what he has achieved at Atamis. The team he has built and the results they have achieved have been nothing short of phenomenal.

“He shared his plans with us from the outset and at Banyan we have been so impressed with how well he has executed his vision. We are pleased to be continuing our relationship with him in a consultancy capacity and wish him every happiness as he enjoys more free time in parallel with this.

“It’s been a great pleasure getting to know the SMT over the past 10 months; I have no doubt they have the talent and commitment to maximise the opportunities ahead of them under Phil’s capable leadership. Congratulations Phil, we couldn’t be happier to have you onboard as Atamis’s new CEO.”