Appointments

Hybrid cloud and IT managed services provider Celerity has appointed Ed Brookes as CFO.

The announcement comes just six months after the BGF-backed firm appointed Craig Aston as its CEO in September 2024.

Brookes joins after recently leaving his role as CFO at London-based Native Places and he brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience to the firm.

He is set to support Celerity through its next growth phase by focusing on enhancing financial processes and optimising controls.

The Lancashire-based firm has achieved significant growth since a £15m investment from BGF in 2021, driven by service diversification, strategic partnerships, and complementary acquisitions.

The appointment is the latest in a raft of C-suite changes for the company, which has also recently appointed Mike Gowan as CRO and Graeme Smith as CTO.

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“It’s great to welcome Ed to the Celerity team at such a crucial moment in our journey,” said Aston.

“His extensive experience in building scalable financial systems, driving organisational change and supporting M&A activity aligns perfectly with our strategic goals.

“As we continue to expand into new sectors, pursue acquisition opportunities, and deliver innovative solutions to our clients, Ed’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we achieve our ambitious targets.”

New CFO Brookes added: “Celerity’s impressive growth since its investment from BGF is a testament to the strength of its vision and the capabilities of its team. I’m excited to join the company at this exciting stage of its journey.

“With a clear strategy, a dynamic leadership team, and the backing of BGF, Celerity is uniquely positioned to lead in a fast-evolving market. I look forward to playing a key role in driving the next chapter of growth.”

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