North East based Housing technology solutions provider, Orchard, has appointed a specialist in the international technology sector as its new Chief Executive Officer as it looks to future growth after a record-breaking year.
Pat Clarke, who has more than 20 years’ hands-on experience in senior leadership roles, took over the reins at Orchard following the retirement of Managing Director Ian Shard in February.
Former CEO of Tandberg Data and Vice President EMEA and Asia at Arcserve (an international data protection solutions provider), Pat has an impressive track record in business development.
Pat is based out of Orchard’s Head Office in Newcastle’s Central Square.
Since 1979, Orchard has provided software, services and technical solutions to help housing businesses and public sector organisations improve the lives of their customers, tenants and residents. Today it is the largest independent provider of complete end-to-end business solutions to the housing sector.
Pat Clarke said: “I am proud to join Orchard at such an exciting point in its history and we have ambitious plans for the future. Working closely with the Board and Executive team, we will continue to grow the business by investing in our team and solutions that enhance Orchard’s offer to our customers.
“We’d like to thank Ian for his valuable service and commitment to Orchard over the past 20 years and wish him and his family all the best for the future. He will be greatly missed by staff, customers and our business partners alike.
“Through his leadership, skills and the sense of community Ian has instilled in Orchard, we have an incredible foundation on which to build and I look forward to driving Orchard forward to an exciting new era.”
Ian Shard retired from Orchard in February after eight years at the helm as Managing Director. He joined the company in 1998 and has spearheaded its development and impressive growth, posting a record sales-year in 2017. Ian will remain a shareholder in the business going forward.
Ian said: “It has been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to work with such a fantastic team of people at Orchard and many brilliant, like-minded customers over the years.
“I’m delighted that Pat is joining Orchard at this time and his impressive CV and track-record in delivering international and cutting-edge solutions in the technology sector speaks for itself. I’m confident Pat will continue Orchard’s strong culture and ethos into the future while taking the company in an exciting direction under his leadership.”
Orchard Chairman Lucy Armstrong, added: “We are very grateful to Ian for all he has brought to Orchard over the past 20 years and wish him every success in his retirement. On a personal level, I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Ian and he will be a big miss to the team.
“We are committed to offering our housing sector customers the very best technical solutions for their needs. Pat brings with him international expertise, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective on the future of Orchard, and I am looking forward to working with him and implementing our plans for the future growth of the company.”
For more information about Orchard, visit www.orchard-systems.co.uk