London-based technology provider Charterhouse Group has appointed Mike Wardell as its new CEO, signalling a strategic leadership shift as the company aims to build on its existing momentum in the IT and cybersecurity sectors. Wardell, who brings over two decades of experience in technology business leadership, including recent executive roles at Business Systems and Giacom, joins Charterhouse with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation. He will continue to serve as executive chairman at Business Systems while taking the helm at Charterhouse.

Charterhouse Group, with a workforce of more than 200 employees spread across offices in London, Peterborough, and Northampton, supports around 2,000 customers in both public and private sectors. The company’s portfolio encompasses a range of IT services, including managed IT and connectivity through Charterhouse, modern workplace solutions via Symity, and cybersecurity offerings from Pentesec. Wardell expressed enthusiasm about joining the company at a pivotal moment, emphasising the alignment of values and commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers.

The appointment comes amid a period of significant growth and expansion for Charterhouse, which has pursued a buy-and-build strategy to enhance its service capabilities and market reach. Notably, Charterhouse acquired Pentesec, a specialist cybersecurity managed service provider and one of only 13 top-tier Check Point partners globally. Founded in 2014, Pentesec offers managed services, consultancy, and training, and its integration into Charterhouse is aimed at strengthening the group’s cybersecurity offerings and advancing the development of a Security Operations Centre (SOC). Pentesec has recently invested over £1.5 million in a cutting-edge SOC facility designed to provide comprehensive cyber protection through a blend of intelligent automation and human expertise. This initiative also involves partnerships with local universities to cultivate future cybersecurity professionals.

Since securing investment from August Equity in 2018, Charterhouse has expanded both organically and through acquisitions including NETConnection Systems, Lloyds IP, Symity, Digital Exchange Products, and Pentesec. The group’s broad portfolio now covers voice communication, data hosting, Microsoft solutions, and cybersecurity services, epitomising its commitment to supporting secure digital transformation. The company has also aligned its growth strategy with environmental and social responsibilities, aiming for Carbon Net Zero emissions by 2030 and actively engaging in community support through fundraising and technology expertise.

Charterhouse’s cybersecurity practice has continued to advance, establishing partnerships with major vendors such as Palo Alto Networks and Darktrace, achieving Platinum status with the former and becoming one of the largest Darktrace partners in the EMEA region. The group’s service proposition is segmented into three core categories—Secure, Connect, and Collaborate—allowing tailored multi-vendor solutions that address diverse industry needs and enhance operational security and efficiency.

Wardell’s leadership is expected to focus on leveraging Charterhouse’s people-first culture and the enhanced security capabilities brought by Pentesec’s SOC vision. Speaking on his new role, he highlighted the company’s outstanding talent and the opportunity to build on a solid foundation, underscoring the ambition to elevate customer service and drive further growth across the technology and cybersecurity landscape.

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Source: Noah Wire Services