Ascent has appointed technology, engineering and consulting heavyweight James Whitehouse as group chief operating officer.
The European digital services business employs 400 experts around the world specialising in areas including software and data engineering, business intelligence, data science, cloud, IoT and machine learning.
Founded in 2005, it works with more than 150 businesses in the UK, Europe and North America, including BrewDog, Centrica (Hive), Bosch, BT, BDO and – through its acquisition of Mango Solutions in 2020 – GSK, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, the Office of National Statistics and Hiscox.
Following 11 years as board director at technology and business consulting firm BJSS, Whitehouse joins Ascent during a period of massive growth to lead its global operations and customer success teams.
He started out in banking before joining PwC Consulting and going on to found and sell a successful software engineering and technology business.
Working with Ascent CEO Stewart Smythe, he will help scale the business and shape innovation strategies.
“It’s a pivotal moment for us as we take Ascent to the next level,” said Smythe. “James’ blend of expertise in business transformation and international development will be crucial as we continue our European expansion.
“His consultative customer approach coupled with real technical depth and substance will help to deliver the outcomes our customers need – we’re delighted to have him on board.”
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