Pennant International strengthens leadership with two key appointments.
- Klaas van der Leest joins as a non-executive director, adding cyber security expertise.
- Darren Wiggins appointed as interim CFO, bringing finance and operational experience.
- The move aims to support Pennant’s strategic goals and software evolution.
- Leadership changes set to guide the company through year-end into 2025.
In a strategic move to enhance its leadership capabilities, AIM-listed technology training firm Pennant International has appointed two experienced professionals to its senior management team. Klaas van der Leest, known for his role as the chief executive of Intercede, a cyber security firm, has been brought on board as a non-executive director. His extensive experience in supporting technology-led businesses and navigating public markets is viewed as a major asset to the company.
Klaas van der Leest’s professional journey includes a tenure as managing director of Intelecom UK, a communications SaaS business backed by private equity. His leadership at Intercede, an AIM-quoted business since 2018, has equipped him with a deep understanding of product development and sales strategies, which he now brings to Pennant’s strategic direction as it continues to develop its proprietary software offerings.
Simultaneously, Pennant has secured the expertise of Darren Wiggins as interim Chief Finance Officer on a fixed-term contract. With a background as a chartered accountant and previous senior finance roles at aerospace and defence company Meggitt and manufacturer Melrose, Wiggins is expected to provide essential financial governance and strategic support. His operational acumen is anticipated to fortify Pennant’s management team.
Pennant International’s Chair, Ian Dighé, expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointments, highlighting the value of van der Leest’s public market insights and Wiggins’ broad financial expertise. As Pennant aims to advance its integrated software suite, these leadership enhancements are poised to play a pivotal role in guiding the company through the remainder of 2024 and into the next fiscal year, particularly as it approaches year-end.
The company, headquartered in Cheltenham with additional offices across the UK, including Manchester and Fareham, is focused on leveraging this bolstered leadership to achieve its strategic objectives. With these appointments, Pennant underscores its commitment to evolving its business model and ensuring robust governance in the face of market demands.
The appointments of van der Leest and Wiggins are strategic steps towards reinforcing Pennant International’s leadership as it navigates future growth and challenges.
