KELLY SIMKISS CEO, Perfect Image
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
No, definitely not. When I was at school, I wanted to be a lawyer (mainly from watching Ally McBeal in the 90’s) I fell into a tech career through seeking general management/leadership opportunities that would allow me to move back home to the North West (at the time I was working in the B&Q logistics team in Southampton). Openreach was holding internal and external assessment centres to identify their senior leaders of the future and I was successful in gaining a role. It’s the utility-like nature of technology that I love, the fact that the services my business provides are critical to our customers (often more so than traditional utilities nowadays).
What attracted you to your current role?
The people, the products and services we provide to our customers. When I was seeking my next role (12 months ago now) I was fortunate enough to quickly end up in six different processes (five out of six of them were in the Tech industry). The thing that made Pixel Group (the parent company of Perfect Image, Cyphra and now Technique) stand out was the friendliness and technical competency of the people I met through the recruitment process; everyone from the PE House, Chairman, NED and Exec members were all truly passionate about the organisation and the great products and services we provide. Having worked in Technology for over five years prior to joining, the cyber, cloud migration and data & analytics competencies really attracted me as I knew how in demand they were in the market and how valuable they are to our existing and potential customers.
How important has Technology been during the Coronavirus pandemic?
It’s been absolutely business critical; and for many businesses the difference between whether they could continue operating or not; and therefore, how impacted (or the size of the opportunity for) their business by the pandemic.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
Do it! The industry is a fast growing one, with lots of opportunities and is a great industry to work in if you want to help people and businesses solve their problems. There are also so many different roles (from the truly technical, to more customer centric or central specialist functions) so there is something for everyone in most businesses in this industry.
Tell us the most exciting thing you’re currently working on?
A rebrand. With the recent acquisitions we will be joining Perfect Image and Technique together under a new single brand, and rebranding the Group (currently Pixel Group) to tie in.
Tell us about your team.
I have a team of true superstars. As part of the rebrand we have asked a lot of our customers what makes us special to them; and without fail they have all commented on the technical competency, integrity and friendliness of our people.
What’s your fondest memory of a career in the industry?
The pandemic provided almost daily opportunities to go above and beyond for customers and the community; whether it was getting the connectivity into a pop-up Nightingale hospital within five days or enabling a 2000 strong workforce to work from home over night there were lots of proud moments at a very difficult time.
What piece of technology would you be lost without?
My iphone.
Who are your heroes and mentors from a career perspective?
There are too many to mention them all; as I’m extremely fortunate in this space. My family have been a great source of inspiration all the way from two sets of grandparents who all worked multiple jobs and juggled family life to set their children up to have more opportunity than they had through to having two entrepreneurs (my dad and my cousin) who I got to observe starting up their own businesses, and making them successful, while I was growing up. I’ve also been lucky enough to have been mentored and supported by lots of inspirational people throughout my own career – Anna Keep (Founder of Accelerated Change), Jenny Davies (CEO Dovehaven Care Home Group), Tricia Williams (COO Northern Trains) and Paul Pintiliescu (currently starting up his own business whilst performing a full time CTO and a strategy role for two other Tech businesses) to name but a few.
When not working, how do you like to relax?
t’s all about the yin and yang for me so I simultaneously love socialising with friends and family (I like to keep up to date with all the new bars and restaurant openings) whilst also enjoying time on my own either reading a book or knitting (badly!)
