Cheltenham's Pennant appoints new NED and also an interim CFO

Pennant International Group, the AIM-listed Cheltenham systems support and training company, has appointed Klaas van der Leest as Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. 

Mr van der Leest has an extensive track record of growing software-led businesses and has significant expertise in product delivery, sales development, and marketing strategies.

Mr van der Leest is currently Chief Executive Officer of Intercede Group PLC, an AIM-quoted cybersecurity business which has seen revenue growth of 100 per cent since his appointment in 2018. 

Prior to Intercede, he was Managing Director at Intelecom UK Ltd., an independent private equity-backed communications SaaS business, leading the organisation's transformation, and trebling subscription licence sales over a three-year period. Mr Van der Leest has held various other senior executive positions for UK technology businesses with a focus on product development and sales strategies.

The company has also appointed Darren Wiggins as Interim CFO on an eight-month fixed term contract with effect from 16 September 2024 (a non-Board appointment). His appointment follows the unexpected departure last month of the company's Chief Financial Officer.

Mr Wiggins is a chartered accountant and an experienced executive having previously held senior finance and operational roles within Meggitt Aerospace and Melrose plc. 

Ian Dighé, Chairman, said: "We are delighted to welcome Klaas to the Board as a Non-Executive Director. His considerable public market experience together with his track record of supporting growing technology-led businesses will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to Pennant as it evolves its proprietary integrated software suite. The Board looks forward to working with Klaas and leveraging his knowledge and experience to support the Company through its next stage of growth."

"The Board also welcomes Darren as interim CFO, whose significant operational, financial and industry expertise will further strengthen and complement the skillsets of the existing senior management team."