FiveTen Group
Global CTO (January 2006 - September 2009)
Led global technology strategy and infrastructure development during a period of unprecedented growth and expansion.
Role Overview
As Global CTO at FiveTen Group, I was responsible for designing, building, and managing the global IT infrastructure that supported the company's ambitious expansion strategy. This role encompassed everything from strategic planning to hands-on implementation across multiple continents.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement global IT infrastructure
- Support business acquisitions and expansion strategy
- Create comprehensive global technology platform for recruitment
- Manage and lead high-performance IT teams
- Ensure seamless integration of acquired companies
Business Achievements
Massive Scaling Success
Supported the company's expansion from 189 people in 13 offices to 750 people in 31 offices worldwide through strategic technology implementations and seamless integrations.
Financial Growth
Enabled the company to secure £100 million in funding and an equivalent £100 million overdraft facility by providing the technological foundation for rapid growth.
Strategic Acquisitions
Successfully integrated the technology systems of acquired companies, starting with Greythorn Recruitment Ltd, ensuring zero downtime and seamless operational continuity.
Global "Sausage Factory"
Established a comprehensive global recruitment platform that standardized processes and enabled consistent service delivery across all geographic markets.
Technical Innovation & Infrastructure
Centralized Architecture
Designed and implemented a centralized IT system based in Hong Kong for optimal global connectivity, achieving approximately 65ms round trip times to every global office.
Network Infrastructure
- SDSL Links: Voice and data over SDSL connections to local internet providers
- Secure VPNs: Encrypted connections to central datacenter
- Thin Client Systems: Application delivery system for global offices
- Performance Optimization: Remote apps that performed faster than local applications
Licensing Innovation
Managed the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program across global offices and created a innovative "follow the sun" licensing model that optimized software costs and availability worldwide.
Team Leadership & Culture
"My IT team was brilliant, committed, and passionate with exceptional drive and dedication."
Built and led high-performance teams across multiple time zones, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. The team's commitment was instrumental in achieving the complex technical challenges of global expansion while maintaining operational excellence.
Leadership Principles
- Empowerment and trust in team capabilities
- Focus on innovative solutions to complex problems
- Commitment to operational excellence
- Global collaboration and knowledge sharing
Technology Stack & Solutions
Infrastructure
- Hong Kong-based datacenter
- Global SDSL network
- VPN security architecture
- Redundant connectivity
Software Solutions
- Thin client applications
- Microsoft Volume Licensing
- Custom recruitment platforms
- Global data synchronization
Impact & Legacy
The technology infrastructure and systems I developed at FiveTen Group became the foundation for the company's rapid international expansion. The centralized, scalable architecture enabled seamless integration of acquisitions and provided a competitive advantage in the recruitment industry.
Key Outcomes
- Enabled 4x growth in workforce across 31 global offices
- Supported £200 million in financial resources
- Created reusable acquisition integration processes
- Established global technology standards for recruitment industry