Info-Tech expands into Europe as founder steps away from CEO role
London’s Info-Tech Research Group has expanded into the European market, just as former chief executive Joel McLean has stepped away from the top job.
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London’s Info-Tech Research Group has expanded into the European market, just as former chief executive Joel McLean has stepped away from the top job.
The downtown technology firm recently opened an office in the other London, which joins offices in Canada, the U.S. and Australia, said McLean, who in now chairperson of the business he founded.
“Most of our market is still in North America, but we are being deliberate about global expansion,” he said. “We are seeing demand and we wanted to serve that market directly.”
Info-Tech was considering growth in South America and the Middle East but decided on Europe because it has a foundation of clients on the continent.
“It is a huge opportunity. There is great potential for the European market. We see strong demand, strong growth,” McLean said.
Info-Tech has built a business that now employs about 1,300 globally by selling “core advisory memberships,” McLean said. A technology firm will buy a subscription from Info-Tech and get information, advice and business support on a wide range of technology-related issues.
“We provide people with a blueprint to execute their projects. We have core research tools, experts in every area” offering support and advice, he said.
“We help with their projects to make sure it is done effectively and efficiently.”
The opening of the European division comes as Info-Tech experiences nearly 50 per cent growth in sales this year over 2021, McLean added.
Info-Tech, based on Ridout Street, employs about 368 people in London with plans to hire about 70 more here. The company also has an office in Toronto and has increased staff about 40 per cent over the last year.
As the tech firm plans expansion and growth, it is doing so with a shuffle of officials at the executive level.
McLean has stepped away from the chief executive role, handing it off to David Godfrey, formerly the chief revenue officer.
Not saddled with day-to-day operational issues, McLean said he can focus on “key projects.”
“It allows me to focus on governance and recruiting. We are growing and I will focus on research and innovation, building better projects,” he said.
Godfrey joined Info-Tech in 2020, having led sales teams in Europe and the Americas for about 30 years. Prior to his role at Info-Tech, he was executive vice-president of worldwide sales with tech research and consulting firm Gartner.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Joel over the past two years,” Godfrey said in a statement. “Info-Tech has a tremendous market opportunity, and we are just scratching the surface of what’s possible. I am honoured to lead such a dedicated group of people as we continue our focus, passion and dedication to building better research than anyone.”
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