Exact has announced the appointment of Paul Ramakers as CEO following Phill Robinson’s decision to step down.
Ramakers was previously COO at Exact and has worked for the company for 25 years in various leadership roles. As CEO, he will continue to execute the strategy that he and Robinson have been following for the last three years.
Under Robinson’s leadership, Exact secured its long-term independent future via the sale of the company to KKR in 2019 and strengthened its presence in the Benelux via the acquisition of Unit4 Bedrijfssoftware, WinBooks, and several others strategic investments. For 2021, Exact is forecasting revenues that represent 100 percent growth since Robinson’s arrival in 2017.
Last year, Robinson announced that he has Parkinson’s Disease and, following further progression of his symptoms, he has decided that the time is right for him to step down. He will remain involved in Exact as a non-executive director.
Commenting on Ramakers appointment, Robinson said: “It has been a great journey and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our customers, partners and employees. I am sad to step down as CEO but am happy to know I am leaving the company in good hands. Paul is the most professional software industry executive I’ve had the privilege of working with. He has done a wonderful job and has helped me build a great business over the past 3 years. I am confident that he will continue to excel in his newly expanded role.”
Ramakers added: “It’s been a privilege working with Phill. Under his leadership, we’ve been on a fantastic journey during which we have transformed the company’s strategy and delivered new product innovations to the market. However, it’s the positive impact that Phill has made to our culture through the introduction of several corporate social responsibility initiatives that stands out most. Examples include the introduction of ‘giving back days’ and a ‘matching funds program’ to allow employees to do more for their chosen charitable causes. I’m delighted that we can still count on his help and support in his new role as a non-executive director on the Exact board.”
