Agilitas chairman Kelly awarded OBE

The chairman of Agilitas IT Solutions Tom Kelly has been awarded an OBE for service to the ICT sector in Wales.

He was awarded the OBE because of the work that he did while a member of the ICT Sector Panel in Wales for most of the last decade.

The panel and was tasked with shining the spotlight on the growing tech sector in the country and worked with both the public and private sector to encourage the development of Wales as a destination and home for ICT expertise.

Channel veteran Kelly has a career that spans three decades and includes time as managing director of Logicalis as well as a number of spells sharing his knowledge as chairman at a number of firms.

At Logicalis he was credited with transforming the business into a managed services player and over a decade moved the firm into a much stronger position with six acquisitions and a quadrupling of revenues.

He has been chairman of Agilitas IT Solutions since May 2015 and was brought on board to help the firm grow the business.

Speaking at the time of Kelly’s appointment, Agilitas CEO Shaun Lynn, said it was key to get access to the sort of experience that could help drive the business forward: “Agilitas are delighted to have a Chairman with the pedigree and calibre that Tom has. We have very ambitious growth plans and to have someone who has been there and done it to the extent Tom has is great news for both Agilitas and our customers.  Tom has a first class reputation and an impeccable track record in the industry and I look forward to continue working closely with him as we look to expand our services proposition.”

Since then the firm has seen revenues increase and the last couple of years have been spent working on a 'Channel in 2020' campaign, designed to drive more sales and support the ambitions to operate in more territories.

Last summer the firm signed a multi-year agreement with IBM to be able to provide resellers, MSPs and SIs with access to the services that IBM can offer. Under the agreement Agilitas would be able to take advantage of IBM technology support services and engineering teams to provide on-site maintenance as part of its InventoryAssure+ service. The tie-up has been referenced as an example of how the firm is working to take its services out to a wider market.

Thanks not only to his CV but also because of his personable, open and frank approach to business Kelly is held in high regard across the channel.

Speaking about his OBE award, Kelly echoed the thoughts of many that have dedicated their careers to working in the channel.

“I’m honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the IT sector with this OBE. I have found working in the channel very rewarding. It is fantastic to work with a fast growth business like Agilitas, and to work closely with Shaun Lynn and his team to help make the company’s ambitious plans a reality,” he said.