In this newly created role, Charlie will lead ITS’s end-to-end operational delivery, with a focus on service excellence and delivering an outstanding experience for both partners and their business customers. His appointment will help build on the company’s strong foundations – driving transformation, quality, and innovation and using them as key enablers of continued growth.

The move reflects ITS’s commitment to scaling its service capabilities as it expands its network footprint and strengthens its partnerships across the UK public and private sectors.

Charlie brings more than two decades of operational leadership experience across construction, development, and technology. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at innDex, a fast-growing global construction technology company. Prior to that, he held senior roles at ISG Ltd and Multiplex, where he led large, diverse teams and delivered complex transformation programmes.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said:

“Charlie’s appointment marks a significant milestone for ITS as we continue to evolve and grow at pace. We’re strengthening the foundations of our business to deliver consistently, reliably, and with excellence – no matter the scale or complexity of the challenge. Charlie brings the operational leadership, strategic mindset, and values-driven approach that will be instrumental in this next phase. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Charlie Versi, Chief Operating Officer at ITS, said:

“ITS is a business with momentum, ambition, and purpose. I’ve been hugely impressed by the people, the vision, and the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact. Looking ahead, my focus will be on embedding operational excellence at every level – from how we plan and build, to how we serve and support our partners and customers. I’m excited to get started and help drive the next stage of ITS’s journey.”

As a major sponsor of the expedition, ITS is honoured to have supported one of the most ambitious endurance challenges of 2025 – a mission that tested the limits of human endurance, resilience, and teamwork. The crew’s route from Monterey, California to Hanalei, Kauai involved rowing non-stop across one of the most formidable stretches of ocean, battling 30-foot waves, extreme fatigue, and a daily burn of more than 6,000 calories per person.

More than a world record attempt, the journey served a powerful purpose: to raise critical funds and awareness for The Lewis Moody Foundation, which supports families affected by brain tumours and funds pioneering research in partnership with The Brain Tumour Charity. Brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 40, yet receive less than 3% of cancer research funding.

ITS is proud to have played a key role in supporting this historic effort. Kevin’s achievement reinforces the values of collaboration and perseverance that we champion within our own organisation.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kevin and the entire Ocean5 crew – including Matt Gaskell, Tom Higham, Patrick Deacon, and Stephen Greenan – on their safe arrival in Hawaii and their monumental contribution to such a vital cause.

To learn more about the expedition or to donate to The Lewis Moody Foundation, please visit:
https://theocean5.com

ITS is proud to sponsor one of 2025’s most ambitious endurance expeditions – a world record attempt to row the Pacific Ocean, led by our Chairman, Kevin Gaskell.

On 8th June 2025, Kevin and the Ocean5 crew will set off from Monterey, California, in a bid to break the current world record for rowing the Pacific Ocean to Hanalei, Kauai. The 2,800-nautical-mile route will test the team’s limits as they target a crossing time of just 45 days, with the current record being 52.

At 66 years old, Kevin is set to become the oldest person to row the Pacific. The Ocean5 crew includes Kevin’s son, Matt Gaskell, alongside Tom Higham, Patrick Deacon, and Stephen Greenan. Together, the five-man team will face 30-foot waves, sleep deprivation, and the burning of up to 6,000 calories each per day, while living aboard the carbon-fibre vessel Lady Jane II.

This challenge isn’t just about breaking records. ITS’ sponsorship will directly support The Lewis Moody Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of families affected by brain tumours. The Foundation works closely with The Brain Tumour Charity to fund critical support services, pioneering research, and awareness campaigns. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under-40s, yet receive less than 3% of cancer research funding.

Speaking about his upcoming challenge, Kevin Gaskell commented:

“This is more than just an expedition—it’s an opportunity to raise vital funds and awareness for a cause that makes a real difference. At 66, I want to prove that we can continue to break boundaries, lead with purpose, and make an impact, no matter our age.”

As a key sponsor, ITS is proud to support the Ocean5 team in their mission to raise over £50,000 for The Lewis Moody Foundation.

We’re looking forward to following Kevin and Ocean5 as they embark on this historic journey. Keep an eye on the ITS LinkedIn page for regular updates and follow the team’s JustGiving page to track their progress and support the cause.

ITS has announced a series of strategic appointments and promotions within its sales function, laying the foundation for ambitious growth in 2025.

In a move to strengthen its expertise in driving expansion across emerging markets and transformative technologies, ITS has bolstered its team with accomplished professionals known for delivering exceptional results in high-growth industries.

The changes reaffirm the company’s commitment to innovation, customer excellence, and leadership in key sectors such as public sector, data centres, AI, and cutting-edge technologies.

At the helm of these changes, Dave Ferry has been promoted to the role of Chief Sales Officer, where he will oversee ITS’s sales strategies across partners, public sector, and major business clients. With five years of significant contributions at ITS, Dave’s expertise and deep industry knowledge position him to steer the company toward its ambitious growth targets. His focus will include aligning and optimising sales efforts, cultivating new client relationships, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Joining Dave’s new team are Ashley Griffiths and Mark Thomas, proven industry leaders whose experience and achievements will bring additional strength to ITS’s sales function.

Ashley takes on the role of Business Director, Major Business. A leader with over 20 years of experience, Ashley has a proven record of driving growth in emerging markets such as AI, mobile, and next-generation technologies.

Prior to joining he held senior leadership roles at euNetworks, as well as serving as Managing Director at vlingo, The Loop at Gamma Telecom, and Ocean Charge, where he spearheaded transformative growth initiatives. Ashley’s expertise in Dark Fibre and Data Centres positions ITS to expand further into these critical areas.

Mark Thomas has joined ITS as Business Director, Public Sector. A seasoned executive, he has extensive experience leading high-performance teams. Mark previously served as Managing Director of Datrix and Chief Revenue Officer of Adept.

With a track record delivering growth across public and private sectors, Mark will play a pivotal role in driving ITS’s public sector ambitions and enhancing its reputation as a trusted partner for government and local authorities.

In addition to these external appointments, Dan Bruce has been promoted to Head of Volume Sales. Dan will oversee all sales activities for channel partners, bringing his in-depth understanding of ITS’s operations to deliver continued success in this vital area.

Commenting on the appointments, Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said:

“These appointments mark a significant step forward as we prepare for an ambitious and exciting year ahead. Dave Ferry’s leadership, coupled with the exceptional expertise of Ashley and Mark, creates a powerhouse team ready to drive growth in emerging markets and deliver value across our core sectors. With Dan Bruce’s promotion further showcasing our commitment to nurturing talent from within, we have the right structure in place to achieve our goals.”

He added: “Ashley and Mark bring decades of experience and a proven ability to unlock opportunities in rapidly evolving markets. Their insights and leadership will be instrumental in shaping ITS’s success story in 2025 and beyond.”