Dimension Data gets new CEO

Allan Cawood has stepped down as CEO of Dimension Data Middle East & Africa (MEA) after serving the company since 2001 to pursue other personal and professional interests.  Derek Wilcocks, managing director of Dimension Data’s wholly-owned Internet Solutions business, has succeeded Cawood as CEO with immediate effect. The group also announced that Saki Missaikos, sales director for Dimension Data MEA since 2003, takes over the reins as managing director of Internet Solutions.
Cawood first became involved with Dimension Data in 1993 when he sold a 35% stake in his company, Digital Networking Systems (DNS) to Dimension Data. In 1998, when Dimension Data acquired the balance of DNS shares and merged the company with Dimension Data Networking, Cawood was appointed the unit’s managing director. Allan assumed the role of CEO for Dimension Data South Africa, and later MEA, with responsibility for the Dimension Data, Internet Solutions and Plessey brands.
Wilcocks (41) is no stranger to Dimension Data. He joined the Group as founding Managing Director of Internet Solutions subsidiary, Trusted Network Solutions, in 1995. He has been the Managing Director of Internet Solutions since October 2009. Prior to this role, he has held a number of executive positions during his 14 years with Dimension Data MEA, including running strategy and technology for Dimension Data.
Brett Dawson, Dimension Data’s Group CEO said: “Allan has indicated for some time that he would like to pursue other interests, and we are very thankful to him for his long, committed service to the group. He is responsible for almost all of what we consider Dimension Data MEA today. His leadership has contributed extensively to the development and success of the Group’s MEA business. During Allan’s tenure as CEO, revenues grew from US$427 million to US$1.2 billion, and operating profits from US$66 million to US$118 million.”