Harrison Willis / HWGroup PLC / TMP.Worldwide
CTO (EMEA) (July 1997 - January 2001)
Pioneered the world's first pure ASP delivered solution and designed centralized IT infrastructure for the next millennium.
Role Overview
As CTO (EMEA) at Harrison Willis, I was promoted to director at age 27 and tasked with designing the centralized IT infrastructure that would support the company for the next millennium. This role positioned me at the forefront of revolutionary changes in how enterprise software could be delivered, culminating in the creation of what many consider the world's first pure Application Service Provider (ASP) solution.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implementation of centralized IT infrastructure for global operations
- Strategic technology leadership for EMEA region
- IPO preparation and public company technology readiness
- Innovation in software delivery models and ASP solutions
- Leadership of IT transformation across multiple offices and regions
Business Context & Growth
Rapid Career Advancement
Promoted to director at age 27, demonstrating exceptional technical leadership and strategic thinking capabilities during a period of rapid company growth and technological innovation.
IPO Success
Supported the company through its successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) process, ensuring technology infrastructure was ready for public company requirements and investor scrutiny.
TMP.Worldwide Acquisition
The company was ultimately acquired by TMP.Worldwide in February 2000, with the technology infrastructure I designed becoming a valuable strategic asset in the transaction.
Global IT Infrastructure
Designed and implemented centralized IT systems to support a 300-seat global operation across multiple offices, establishing the foundation for future growth and expansion.
Revolutionary SaaS Innovation (1999)
"We'll provide it all from a data-centre... for fifty-four Great British Pounds per user per month" - Eamus Halpin, Integration, during groundbreaking SaaS presentation
The Historic Moment
In 1999, I orchestrated what may have been one of the first comprehensive Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions. Rather than traditional procurement, I invited three IT suppliers to present together in the same room, leading to breakthrough innovation.
Complete Solution Components
- NTAS: Network and infrastructure services
- Citrix Server: Remote access and application delivery
- Custom Recruitment Application: Industry-specific business software
- Microsoft Office Suite: Complete productivity applications
- Custom Intranet Solution: Internal communication and collaboration
- Complete Support: Comprehensive maintenance and user support
Why This Was Revolutionary
This wasn't just hosting or remote access - it was a complete, integrated solution delivered as a service with predictable per-user monthly pricing. Everything a global workforce needed, delivered from a central data center, representing a paradigm shift that predated the mainstream SaaS movement by several years.
Technical Leadership & Innovation
Strategic Partnership Development
Led collaboration with key technology partners:
- Peter Orme (Data Supplies): Hardware and infrastructure expertise
- Kevin (Computacentre): Systems integration and support services
- Eamus Halpin (Integration): Innovative software solutions and SaaS vision
- Simon Papworth (Integration CTO): Technical architecture and implementation
Innovation Methodology
Created collaborative procurement process where suppliers presented together, allowing real-time adaptation and innovation. This approach fostered breakthrough thinking and led to solutions that none of the vendors had originally envisioned.
Centralized Infrastructure Design
Architecture Components
- Central data center operations
- Multi-tenant application hosting
- Global network connectivity
- Scalable user management systems
Service Delivery
- Per-user monthly pricing model
- Complete application stack delivery
- Comprehensive support services
- Global accessibility and performance
IPO Success & Corporate Growth
The technology infrastructure I designed not only supported Harrison Willis through its IPO process but became a strategic asset that contributed to the company's successful acquisition by TMP.Worldwide. The centralized, scalable architecture demonstrated the company's technological sophistication to investors and acquirers.
Business Impact
- Enabled successful IPO through robust technology foundation
- Supported global expansion across multiple offices
- Created scalable architecture that attracted acquisition interest
- Established technology leadership in recruitment industry
Industry Impact & Legacy
My work at Harrison Willis represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of enterprise software delivery. The pure ASP solution we created in 1999 predated the mainstream adoption of SaaS by several years, demonstrating that visionary thinking combined with collaborative innovation could produce breakthrough solutions.
Long-term Influence
- Pioneered comprehensive SaaS model before industry adoption
- Established per-user pricing as viable software delivery model
- Demonstrated value of collaborative innovation in procurement
- Created template for centralized, scalable enterprise architectures
- Influenced future generations of software delivery methodologies
Career Milestone Achievement
This role at Harrison Willis established me as a technology visionary capable of both strategic thinking and practical implementation. Being promoted to director at 27, successfully supporting an IPO, and creating revolutionary software delivery models demonstrated leadership capabilities that would define my subsequent career trajectory.
Key Achievements
- Youngest director appointment at age 27
- Created world's first pure ASP delivered solution
- Designed "next millennium" IT infrastructure
- Successfully supported company through IPO process
- Led strategic acquisition by TMP.Worldwide