PraxisIFM Group announces senior management changes
Dr Simon Thornton Group Chief Executive Officer of global financial services administration company PraxisIFM has announced his intention to retire from his role.
The Group is pleased to announce it has appointed a new Group CEO Cees Krijgsman who is currently CEO of InAdmin RiskCo the Group's technology-led pension administration business. Dr Thornton will remain as a Group Director to facilitate the handover to Mr Krijgsman.
Dr Thornton joined PraxisIFM in 1992 as a trainee Chartered Accountant and he has overseen a period of substantial growth for the Group including the listing on The International Stock Exchange in April 2017. During a busy two-year period since then staff numbers have increased from 300 to 550 the global footprint from 10 jurisdictions to 19 internationally and Assets under Administration from US$40bn to US$90bn as at the end of January 2019.
PraxisIFM Group Chairman Andrew Haining said: 'The Group is well placed for the next stage in our development with discussions well underway for a planned listing on the London Stock Exchange next year. With this strategy in mind Simon considered that this was the most appropriate time for both him and the business to hand over the reins.'
Following an independent internal recruitment process involving leading executive search and leadership advisory firm Spencer Stuart the Board of PraxisIFM is delighted to appoint Cees Krijgsman as Group CEO with immediate effect.
'InAdmin RiskCo became part of the PraxisIFM Group in November 2017 and so Cees is very well known by the senior management team and the Board' said Mr Haining. 'Simon will be available over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition and Cees and the senior team look forward to working together on the next chapter in our development where technology plays an increasingly important role.'
Reflecting on his career with the Group Dr Thornton said it has been an incredible journey and one that he is proud to have played such a long and meaningful part in. 'I remain a Group shareholder and believe that the business is in a very strong position and well placed for the next stage in its development' he added.
On behalf of the Board staff shareholders and clients Mr Haining thanked Simon for his contribution over his 27 years with the Group. 'As Group CEO for the past 17 years Simon has led PraxisIFM through an exceptional period of growth and development and without him much of that would not have been possible.'
Netherlands-born and educated Mr Krijgsman has worked at senior level for technology-led companies since 1991. He joined InAdmin RiskCo in 2013 and has led its strategic development into a pensions administration outsourcing company with blue chip clients including AON United Pensions and Hewlett Packard. Mr Krijgsman holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
'It is an honour to be appointed as Group CEO and I'm very excited and motivated for the future' said Mr Krijgsman. 'I'm looking forward to working with the PraxisIFM team and clients going forward. I thank Simon for the significant development and platform for growth that he has been so influential in creating.'
Mr Krijgsman's appointment is effective immediately subject to regulatory confirmation.
Learn more about Cees Krijsgman.