World-renowned cyber academic among two non-executive directors to join Cheltenham's Emerge Digital

Emerge Digital, the Cheltenham-headquartered IT service provider and digital innovation consultancy, has appointed two non-executive directors.

Professor Richard Benham, who advises governments and organisations worldwide on both the risks and opportunities technology brings as well as being a leading academic in the field of Cyber Security, Defence and Innovation, and Jonathan Graves a proven leader in sustainable technology solutions, both join to guide the managed IT service provider through its next stage of growth.

Last year Emerge Digital rebranded from First Solution, reflecting its client-centric approach to helping companies emerge as digitally enabled businesses.

Offering a full suite of technology solutions including outsourced IT support, cloud services and cyber security, the business has grown 21 per cent over the last 12 months, making strategic senior hires including Phil Ball, who joined as Head of Innovation in May.

Read more: Cheltenham's Emerge Digital appoints new head of innovation

The company intends to double its revenue in the next two years with Richard and Jonathan set to be instrumental in achieving this ambitious target.

Professor Richard Benham brings over thirty-five years' experience in Banking security, Cross-border Policing, Academia, and Business. He is currently the Patron of The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park, a Non-Executive Director of Systal Technology and Non-Executive Chair of TechTalent UK and Lockdown Cyber Security.

As well as being a best-selling author of spy thrillers Professor Benham is also an armed forces veteran and founder of The Cyber Trust, a charity to help protect vulnerable groups online.

Richard’s appointment will significantly bolster Emerge Digital's capabilities and reputation in cyber security and innovation. Richard was the world’s first formal Professor of Cyber Security Management having published the Cyber Ripple Theory in 2013, which defines the human aspect of an attack and is currently the visiting Professor at Abertay University of Dundee for Cyber Innovation, Trust and Ethics.

Professor Benham said: " As an experienced non-Executive and chair for many businesses I am excited by the increasing benefits that Emerge Digital will bring to its clients as the company evolves and grows in what is a dynamic marketplace. With an outstanding management team and clear vision, it is a privilege to help steer the business to its full potential. "

Jonathan Graves also joins Emerge Digital as non-executive director with more than 30 years of experience within the sustainable packaging and logistics industries. His track record of building and delivering environmentally friendly, technology-driven business solutions, combined with his financial acumen, will be instrumental in driving Emerge Digital's commercial advantage and securing funding for future growth.

Jonathan added: "As a client of Emerge Digital I was always impressed at how they develop practical technology solutions that add real value to their clients' businesses, and I look forward to helping the team develop the business further at this exciting time within the technology sector."

Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county

Nigel Church, Emerge Digital CEO, said: "Business is about people. In Tom Henson, our Managing Director, we've got what I believe to be one of the best people in the industry.

"His eye to detail and his sales and marketing experience has really allowed us to escalate our position, coupled with our rebrand to Emerge Digital.

"With Richard and Jonathan now on board, we can take the business to another level and continue to accelerate at pace. I look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of Emerge Digital."