ONE year on from the launch of Heywood House, the multi-million pound state-of-the-art datacentre facility in Douglas, leading network and hosting solutions provider Wi-Manx has restructured its board of directors, with a firm focus on significant expansion in the UK and Europe.
Current chief technology officer (CTO) Joe Hughes has been promoted to managing director and is joined on the Board by brothers Charlie and Henry Whipp.
With ambitious growth targets and a clear strategy, the new appointments are intended to strengthen the company’s leadership as it looks to build on its range of innovative services.
Joe, 31, has been with Wi-Manx since its formation in 2004 and his experience and knowledge of the industry means he is well placed to lead the company as it approaches its next stage of development.
‘Wi-Manx is the only 100 per cent Manx-owned ISP and Datacentre services provider in the island, and the Isle of Man remains the foundation from which our business operates’, said Joe.
‘Over the past 18 months we have made a significant investment in our hosting and network infrastructure.
‘This investment – and our innovative approach to technology – has enabled us to develop a range of products and services that should help position us as leaders in the marketplace, both in terms of price and service.’
Henry and Charlie are directors of Wi-Manx and the Barony Group.
Henry is a chartered surveyor who trained and started his career in London, before working in New Zealand, returning to the island in 2011.
Charlie is an Isle of Man advocate and worked for the well-known legal firm Cains at both their London and Isle of Man offices for six years, before taking up his new role in the Barony Group.
Henry said: ‘Joe has all the enthusiasm, technical insight and practical knowledge about our industry to lead Wi-Manx during this exciting phase of its development.
‘We’re certain the company will continue to flourish with him at the helm.’
Charlie added: ‘Henry and I are genuinely excited to be part of the new Board of Directors and are really looking forward to being involved with the company’s future plans, which are ambitious but certainly achievable. We have the right products, a genuinely talented team and a highly attractive pricing structure.’
‘The fact that both Henry and Charlie are experienced in other fields is a major benefit to us,’ said Joe.
‘They bring a lot of drive and experience to the table, and their different way of thinking further strengthens our strategic approach to developing our business.
‘We’re all looking forward to rolling out our plans over the coming months and bringing significant new business to the Island.’