First Derivatives announced the appointment of Seamus Keating as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, succeeding the Group's founder, Brian Conlon, who passed away in July 2019. The company also announced that Non-Executive Director Donna Troy has been appointed Chairman of the Group. Seamus has extensive leadership expertise in the global technology sector, including executive roles in both finance and operations in multi-national technology companies.

A qualified accountant, Seamus held a number of senior roles at Logica plc until its acquisition in 2012 by CGI Group, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President of the Benelux region and chair of its worldwide Financial Services practice. Since 2012 he has worked with a number of growing technology businesses in the private and public markets as chairman and non-executive director. He was appointed a Non-Executive Director of the company in December 2012 and Chairman in July 2013.

Donna has a depth of experience in both senior executive and non-executive roles within multi-national technology companies. She has held CEO, division general management and sales leadership roles in organizations including IBM, Partnerware, McAfee, SAP, Dell and Epicor, delivering revenue and margin growth and implementing global go-to-market strategies. She currently holds non-executive roles at Pivot3, TIBCO, Aptean and Curvature and was appointed a Non-Executive Director of FD in January 2018.

Following his appointment as CEO, Seamus Keating has stepped down from the Board committees of which he was a member. The Nomination Committee will now be chaired by Virginia Gambale and a search has been initiated for additional Non-Executive Directors with the skills and experience to support the Group's growth strategy.