Greg Davidson to take the reins as Datacom Group CEO

Datacom New Zealand and Australia boss Greg Davidson has been promoted to the top job of Datacom Group chief executive.

Davidson, who has been with Datacom since 1997 and is currently Datacom Systems New Zealand and Australia chief executive, will take over from Jonathan Ladd in April 2018.

Auckland-based Davidson started with the company as its general manager of internet services, rising up through the ranks to take on the position of chief executive of the New Zealand business in 2007. He took on the added responsibility for Australia last June.

Craig Boyce, Datacom Group chairman, says Davidson's role as CEO for Datacom Systems New Zealand and Australia sees him responsible for 'the largest part of Dataom'.

"He has a deep knowledge of and passion for Datacom and has been instrumental in aligning the Australia and New Zealand Systems business to meet customers' needs better through a series of key transformation initiatives," Boyce says.

"His dynamic leadership, deep insight and customer obsession have been a vital component to the continued success of the Systems business across New Zealand and Australia.

Boyce says the board believe Davidson will help unlock further opportunities for differentiation and growth with Datacom's customers.

Ladd has been Group CEO for more than seven years, and has been a board director for 11 years.

He says handing over the reins to Davidson is 'at a high point for me personally, coming at a time that Datacom is poised to achieve even greater success'.

"Greg and I have worked closely for a number of years now, and as my natural successor, I know that I am handing over to a strong and visionary leader," Ladd says.

Meanwhile Davidson is promising that Datacom 'will continue to push boundaries, think differently and demonstrate the value of collaborating with customers and partner'.

"This next chapter in Datacom's history will build on pass successes, and our strong heritage of customer focus, innovation and agility," Davidson says.

Earlier this year the  Kiwi IT services provider, which now employs 4,880 staff across New Zealand, Australia and Asia, announced a 10% increase in its billion-dollar revenue, with profit soaring 60% in the financial year ending 31 March, 2017.

Revenue for the year hit $1.157 billion, up from $1.054 billion, while profit jumped from $27.2 million to $43.7 million.