Skakel was previously sales director at network service provider GFI Informatics, where he worked for 21 years before it was acquired by NextiraOne in 2006. During this time he gained experience in driving sales, taking on the role of operations director in 1989 for eight years before becoming sales director.
Skakel will continue to build NextiraOne’s UK business and develop further market share and profitability at a time of significant growth across the country for managed services. NextiraOne has a significant UK presence in local government and private sector organisations and Skakel sees massive potential to expand NextiraOne’s UK customer base, especially with the growth of internet protocol (IP) communications technology*.
“NextiraOne is recognised by industry analysts as one of the foremost providers of IP communications solutions and managed services in Europe and I intend to further expand this wealth of experience within the UK market,” Skakel said. “There is a huge opportunity to further expand our presence in the growing managed services and IP communications market and with the experience and expertise we have at our disposal, I am excited about where the company can go.”
Rafi Kouyoumdjian, CEO of NextiraOne Europe said: “Steven’s breadth of experience in the IP communications sector will prove a boon for our burgeoning UK presence. His appointment gives us a great opportunity to build the business amongst current clients and push for new business in this exciting growth sector,” he said.
NextiraOne, which generated revenues of more than €1billion in 2005, is Europe’s largest independent communications solution integrator. With a direct presence in 16 European countries and more than 100,000 customers, NextiraOne is recognised as one of Europe’s foremost providers of integrated IP communications solutions and managed services. In the UK, NextiraOne’s customers include a wide variety of public and private sector organisations, among them Chelsea Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Bedfordshire County Council.
Skakel replaces former MD Simon Gibbs who is leaving the company to pursue a career outside the communications industry.