News story

KnowledgePool strengthens its senior management team

Learning NewsKnowledgePool

KnowledgePool, the learning services company, today announced that it has made two promotions and two new additions to its senior management team.

Rod Edwards, formerly Chief Executive, has been promoted to Deputy Chairman of the company. Paul Jefferson, formerly Managing Director, takes over as Chief Executive. The company has also appointed Tim Critchley as Chief Operating Officer and Sam Mather as Consultancy Director.

"Rod and Paul have been instrumental in transforming KnowledgePool's financial performance over the past two years," said Simon Philips, Chairman of KnowledgePool. "Their leadership has helped to establish us as one of the world's leading training outsourcing companies. We're also excited to have Tim and Sam join our management team. Their sales, training and management experience will contribute greatly to the company. With our dedicated and talented team of managers and employees, we are confident that we can further enhance the value we deliver to clients and take advantage of the growing opportunities we see in the market for managed training services. I'm looking forward to a strong and successful future."

Rod Edwards has been Chief Executive of KnowledgePool since 2004. He joined the company from global teleservices and outsourcing company TeleTech where he was President and General Manager for Europe. Prior to this, he held senior positions at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Computer Sciences Corporation, having previously been a Commander in the Royal Navy. He holds an MBA from the Open Business School, a masters degree from the Royal Military College and a BSc from Imperial College.

Paul Jefferson was appointed as Managing Director of KnowledgePool in 2004. He has nearly 20 years' experience in management consultancy and operational roles, including seven years as a consultant with global firm A.T. Kearney. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and an engineering degree from the University of Cambridge.

Tim Critchley has spent the past two years as Managing Director of e-learning specialist Maxim Learning. Prior to this, he held senior positions at mobile communications firm Pogo Technology and at internet consultancy Razorfish. He holds a law degree from the London School of Economics.

Sam Mather has 16 years' experience in learning and development, including six years in financial services. Her consultancy expertise is in 'turning around' learning and development functions, identifying training needs and establishing development programmes in diverse cultures. She holds a masters degree in training and performance management.

KnowledgePool has over 40 years' experience in the training industry and 20 years' experience in outsourcing. The company has major training management contracts with clients such as the Home Office, Lloyds TSB and Orange. Its six key services are: Skills management, Web-based training administration, Bespoke training programmes, Supplier management, Evaluation and Management intelligence.

KnowledgePool has enjoyed sustained profitability as an independent business under private equity ownership, since it was acquired by Root Capital in February 2004. The company's UK office is in Bracknell, Berkshire.