GDS Group, the Bristol-based B2B events, research and technology services company, has appointed Charles Oakley (pictured) as its new group CEO.
Oakley will lead the groups next phase of growth and its primary product suite.
Growth so far
Founded by Spencer Green in 1993, GDS Group has grown into a 650+ employee company, with offices in Leeds, New York, Miami, and Kosovo.
In March 2020, GDS Group transformed its product suite to become fully digital-first, having previously provided both physical and digital events. Within 24 months, the company further evolved to become a multi-channel business partner – delivering three digital event platforms for over 2,000 technology solution providers and in excess of 500 senior executives per week.
In December 2021, GDS Group charted a 98% YoY growth, and had invested into its own future – building a series of seven permanent green-screen studio spaces.
In addition, the company has simultaneously invested in translating its digital events production experience into a SaaS product, Jugo, which aims to support the future of hybrid work by reimagining the virtual experience for better work outputs, via self-serve 3D engagement environments.
Commenting on the groups growth, Spencer Green, founder and chairman, GDS Group, said: “It is timely that after all we have achieved in the past 29 years – and especially after the challenges of the last 24 months – that we continue to move forward.”
In line with GDS Group’s growth projections, Green will be moving into the role of GDS Group’s chairman; leading strategy, acquisitions, and supporting the company’s 2022 SaaS product launch in Jugo.
Oakley added: “I’m honoured to be leading GDS Group into the next phase of development and continued growth. For me, the best thing about this business is the people and how we continually challenge ourselves to improve to be better, make our business better and deliver better results for our customers.”
