NTT DATA UK today announced that Simon Williams is stepping down as CEO, effective 31st March, to seek new challenges

Having served as CEO of NTT DATA UK for five years, Williams oversaw the doubling in size of the business, expanded the business’s value propositions as it entered new markets, and secured £68 million in investment from parent group NTT.

The company’s growth during Williams’s tenure includes the launch of NTT’s London 1 data centre in December 2020.

Additionally, he has been a vocal champion for diversity and inclusion, with NTT DATA being recognised as a Financial Times Diversity Leader in 2022.

Williams’s time at NTT DATA dates back to 2011, when the IT services provider acquired his former business, Value Team.

From here, he went on to become head of telco, media and technology for the organisation, helping to create NTT DATA Digital before becoming CEO in 2017.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and what we have managed to achieve as a business. We have achieved our latest three-year plan within its first year, and that is all down to the effort put in by our staff, the quality of delivery that we provide and the fantastic relationships we have built with our clients and partners,” said outgoing NTT DATA UK CEO, Williams.

“I am most proud of building a single, inclusive culture across NTT DATA UK, where people are not afraid to dream big and challenge one another. Our success has been all down to our people pulling in the same direction and going beyond to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

“I’m now looking forward to starting a new chapter.”

Walter Ruffinoni, CEO at NTT DATA EMEA, commented: “I would like to thank Simon for the transformation he has delivered to the UK business, first as the Head of Telecoms and Media and then as CEO of NTT DATA UK.

“When Simon took over as CEO, five years ago, he inherited a number of legacy businesses, each with their own cultures and suffering from a persistent lack of investment. He leaves a growing, profitable business with a single, strong and supportive culture that is well placed to deliver the planned growth over the coming years.

“The results speak for themselves, as NTT DATA UK is now one of the fastest growing and most profitable operations in NTT DATA.”

A new CEO for the UK and Ireland will be announced on the 1st April 2022.