Shipley-based technology R&D partner and employee-owned company, Consult Red, has recruited Paul Stevenson as its new CFO. Paul will sit on the Board and join its executive leadership team as the company drives further growth propelled by increasing demand for 'Internet of Things (IoT) smart, connected products and streaming TV devices.

Paul joins from AIM-listed specialist flooring company AIREA plc, where he was group finance director and company secretary. Before that, Paul was CFO of Caldero, a Pay-TV technology provider, and Arris Group (formerly Pace plc) and Heywood Williams, where he held several senior finance positions. He qualified as a chartered accountant at KPMG.

Paul said: "I am delighted to be joining the executive team at this exciting time in the company's journey. The recent transition to an employee-owned company is a fantastic achievement and one of the main reasons I agreed to join the team. This shows how much the company values its people; they are at the heart of what it does and how it works with clients."

"This next stage in development gives me an opportunity to play a significant part in helping develop propositions in IoT or 'smart' markets and grow the business. Consult Red’s track record and experience can help clients deliver digital transformation, manage risk and get to market faster."

Andrew Stewart, CEO, said: "We're excited to welcome Paul to the team. Paul's governance experience with an AIM-listed company means he is well placed to help us deliver on our strategy and develop the business. We want to become the go-to technology development partner for companies seeking to deliver innovative, secure and trustworthy connected devices and systems to market."

In May 2021 Consult Red became an employee-owned organisation, putting it in pole position to attract and retain the industry’s best talent and disrupt the market. The Directors of Consult Red transferred shares of the £18m turnover business to an Employee-owned Trust (EOT) to benefit employees.