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Alex Bouma appointed CEO Optimation Group

Friday 15 April 2016, 11:02AM

By LOUD IN PUBLIC

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Leading ICT & Consulting provider Optimation is excited to announce an evolution in its leadership effective today with former GM at Optimation, Alex Bouma, being appointed as CEO.

Alex joined Optimation from HP in 2014 and in the last two years has overseen a doubling of the client base. Under Alex’s stewardship, Optimation secured two major outsourcing contracts for software development and support, which together are expected to generate in excess of $50 million in revenue over the next 4 years.


“These are exciting times to be picking up the reins of the Optimation Group” said Mr Bouma. “Our key business segments in New Zealand are now at critical mass with a top leadership team in place, opportunities emerging in Australia with our new business development focus over there, and a number of ventures and partnerships hold the promise of really accelerating our Group to becoming one of NZs top Service companies”.

Alex has over 20 years senior leadership experience, having held multiple senior roles in the ICT industry. During this time he has been focused on driving investment and growth with multi-nationals in New Zealand and Australia, as well as taking an active role in many initiatives designed to develop high growth potential New Zealand companies. This includes serving as a founding member of the advisory board at NZi3, and previous involvement with HITLab and the University of Canterbury. “As a committed Cantabrian, I was also focused on initiatives to develop skills, capability, and regional resiliency as part of the Christchurch earthquake recovery and rebuild response by chairing the Canterbury Employment and Skills Board.”

Bouma went on to say “I’m thrilled that Neil will remain in his governance role as Chairman and have responsibility for the ventures division and some of our inorganic growth initiatives. Something I’m sure will be a great success.”
 

Founder and Executive Chairman, Neil Butler will remain as Executive Chairman of the Optimation Group maintaining his governance role, have responsibility for the ventures division and inorganic growth, and continue to work with ICT sectorgroups, undertaking some independent directorships and mentoring.

Optimation Ventures was created to pursue global opportunities for business transformation through digital innovation. It has experienced recent successes including the launch of eLife LLC, a revolutionary US Life Insurance distribution business providing straight through on-line Life Insurance sales from enquiry to policy issue in under 15 minutes. 
 

In addition to the appointment of Alex Bouma, Optimation has appointed Campbell Hepburn as General Manager of Presto Resourcing Options (launched last year), one of Optimation Group’s four key businesses. Campbell comes to Presto after an extensive career in recruitment with Beyond, H2R and Hudson.

The Optimation Group is an entity with four operating divisions: Optimation in New Zealand, OGA in Australia, Presto Resourcing Options, and Optimation Ventures. The Group is on a strong growth trajectory and has approximately 250 staff operating across New Zealand and Australia.

Optimation has staff in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, and Canberra.