Non-Executive Chair

During Francis’ 36-year executive career at Ernst & Young, he undertook a variety of international roles, including serving on the EY Global Board, leading its UK corporate finance business, and operating as managing partner of European transaction advisory services.

After departing EY in 2015 to pursue a portfolio career, Francis currently serves as a non-executive director on the board of AIM-listed software business 1Spatial plc, and as chair of the board of governors at Kingston University. Francis also served as Chair of the government-backed investment company British Business Investment from 2016 to 2022.

Francis studied law at Cambridge University, and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Non-Executive Deputy Chair

Nick is a founding Director of Quixant and was the Group’s Chief Executive Officer until 2018 when he became Deputy Chair. An engineer himself, Nick has a background in the technology industry, and prior to founding Quixant was employed by Densitron Technologies PLC for 22 years during which time he held numerous roles in design, engineering, sales and, finally, as group technical director.

Nick’s knowledge of technology markets, entrepreneurial approach and understanding of the Group make him a strong contributor to the Board as non-executive Deputy Chair.

Nick has an honours degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Sheffield.

Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit & Risk Committee

Carol brings significant finance expertise to Nexteq following a 20-year career in senior finance roles in both private and public companies, as well as strong technology industry experience. Between 2011 and 2015 she held the position of Chief Financial Officer at SSP plc, a global software company. Prior to SSP plc, she was Chief Financial Officer at Electricity North West, and also served as Group Finance Director at The Tote and IT and Finance Director at Stanley Leisure plc.

Carol is currently the Executive Chair at Maintel plc and Chair of the Audit Committee at Foresight Solar and Technology VCT plc. Carol also acts as a strategic and transaction advisor to private equity firms.

Carol is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Non-Executive Director

Duncan has an exceptional track record of scaling businesses and delivering shareholder value. Duncan served as Chief Executive Officer at XP Power from February 2003 to December 2020 and was previously Finance Director from April 2000 to 2003. He led the business through transformational growth to being a constituent of the FTSE 250 with a market cap in excess of £1bn.

Duncan has also served as Non-Executive Director on the board of Videndum plc (formerly The Vitec Group plc) until May 2022. Earlier in his career, Duncan held senior roles with Dell Computer Corporation and LSI Logic Corporation.

Duncan has an MA in Chemistry from Oxford University.

Non-Executive Director

Gary is a founding Director of Quixant and was Sales Director until 2020 before becoming a non-executive director. Gary has a proven track record in global technology sales and marketing, establishing the Quixant brand in the gaming industry and securing business from the Group’s first major customers.

Prior to founding Quixant, Gary was sales director at Ntera, a nanotech electronic displays business and before that was employed by Densitron Technologies PLC in sales and marketing for over ten years.

Gary has an honours degree in Electronic Systems from the Royal Military College of Science.

Group Chief Executive Officer

Jon was one of the key members of the design team that developed Nexteq’s first gaming computer product, the QX-10. Jon left Nexteq in 2006 to broaden his experience in the financial sector, both as an investment consultant at Mercer Limited, and as an account manager at BlackRock, Inc.

He rejoined Nexteq in July 2012 as General Manager and latterly Chief Operating Officer before being promoted to Group Chief Executive Officer in 2018. Jon’s deep knowledge of the technology that forms the foundation of Nexteq’s business, together with his wider financial and managerial experience, means he is well positioned to lead the business.

Jon is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and has a first-class honours degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Warwick.

Group Chief Financial Officer

Johan is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in both publicly listed and international businesses. Prior to joining Nexteq, he was Group Finance Director at XP Power, a FTSE 250 company that designs and manufactures power components, responsible for financial planning, reporting and treasury functions.

Johan also served as XP Power’s acting CFO while the company was seeking a permanent candidate. Earlier in his career, Johan worked at PwC, and held finance roles at Logica plc and Finastra.

Johan is a Certified Chartered Accountant, and holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Accounting, and a Post Graduate Degree in Accounting from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.