App developer hedgehog lab has appointed a leading figure in North East tech as a non-executive director.
Bob Paton CBE, who retired as MD of Accenture’s Newcastle Delivery Centre in July, will work primarily as advisor to the board and senior management team, focusing on scaling the business while boosting skills and development training.
The move comes as the Newcastle-headquartered consultancy prepares to report 160% year-on-year revenue growth for 2016.
The company, which recently secured its first seven-figure contract, has seen headcount grow from 30 to 87 in 10 months.
“We’ve grown from being a micro-business into a fully-fledged SME,” said CEO, Sarat Pediredla.
“Hence, we’ve moved beyond the ‘founder-manager’ structure – and, with a growing senior management team, it’s imperative we have strong corporate governance and support.
“Bob’s credentials are unparalleled, as, through his leadership, Accenture grew its Newcastle operations into a business employing more than 650 people.
“He’s also hugely passionate about skills, employability and making the North East a technology leader – which fits in perfectly with our needs.”
Paton also sits on the board of governors at several educational establishments, including the new North East Futures UTC, and is a non-executive chairman at RTC North in Sunderland.
“I’m excited by the plans for hedgehog lab and am keen to help deliver on them,” he said.
Established in 2010 as ‘post-PC’ tech consultancy, hedgehog lab builds apps for smartphones, tablets, wearables and similar devices.
Pictured: New hedgehog lab non-executive director Bob Paton CBE (centre), with CEO Sarat Pediredla (left) and chief operating officer Mark Forster
