Exeter accountants appoint new IT Director
As part of a continuing and significant investment in its IT systems and infrastructure, Exeter accountants and financial planners Old Mill is creating its first ever post of IT Director.
Highly experienced IT specialist James Gifford will start in the role on Monday where he will head up Old Mill’s existing three-man IT team across its five West Country offices.
The 41-year-old has many years of senior-level IT experience within the professional services sector; previous roles include Director of IT Business Information Systems at RSM Tenon and more recently Baker Tilly.
James’ specialist areas of knowledge include cloud technology, systems integration and working in a multi-site IT environment. He has a large amount of experience with databases and business intelligence, and his wealth of senior director level experience will undoubtedly help Old Mill from a broader management and leadership perspective.
“The appointment of James is part of our ongoing commitment to improving our level of client service and making the working environment as good as possible for our staff, a big part of which is investment in IT.” explains Ian Carlson, Board Director at Old Mill with responsibility for strategy and projects.
“Over the past few years we have invested heavily in our IT systems; not only improving software but also upgrading the server infrastructure and the hardware used by our staff including new smart phones and laptops. We have also installed a new network following the relocation of 4 of our 5 offices.
“But improving IT is an ongoing investment, and to ensure it is properly targeted to deliver maximum benefit for our clients and staff alike we have decided to enhance our existing IT team with the creation of our first ever post of IT Director.”
James says having met with members of the Old Mill management team he was impressed with their progressive, modern approach to running a professional services business.
“I felt my skills and experience were an ideal fit for their aspirations to generate additional value and efficiencies from their technology investments, and make the most of the latest information technologies available to improve client service.
“I also know a lot of people who have worked for, or are clients of Old Mill and they have an excellent reputation both in terms of quality of service and looking after their people.”
James says he is looking forward to helping Old Mill improve their use of technology to generate competitive advantage, improve client service and deliver efficiencies across the business.
Ian concludes: “These are exciting times for Old Mill. I am confident that the changes to the IT team will give us the best possible chance of ensuring that the business has the IT infrastructure that it needs, and that everyone who works here has the IT infrastructure that they deserve”.
