First Derivatives Appoints Seamus Keating as CEO

Following the passing of the Group’s founder, Brian Conlon, First Derivatives has announced this Wednesday that it has appointed Seamus Keating as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

As Finance Magnates reported, Conlon passed away in July of 2019 at the age of 53 after losing his battle with cancer. Not only was he the founder of First Derivatives, but he was also the CEO of the technology firm for more than two decades.

Keating joined First Derivatives in 2013

With that in mind, it’s no doubt that Keating has big shoes to fill. Keating has been part of the First Derivatives family since 2013 when he joined as a Non-Executive Director. Following his appointment, he has stepped down from the Board committees of which he was a member.

Keating has had a varied career. He was one of the youngest CFO's in the FTSE and later made the transition to COO and regional CEO at Logica plc, where he spent more of a decade of his career.

Up until Logica’s Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition means acquiring or taking possession or the securing of property, services, or abilities. To put it simply, it is the act or process of acquiring or gaining. You can acquire a work of art, you can acquire an ability such as speaking another language, you can acquire a business or shares in a company and you can acquire an accountant's service. For example, you can acquire a new car. In a broad sense, Acquisition can mean the act of taking ownership or possession of something. There Acquisition means acquiring or taking possession or the securing of property, services, or abilities. To put it simply, it is the act or process of acquiring or gaining. You can acquire a work of art, you can acquire an ability such as speaking another language, you can acquire a business or shares in a company and you can acquire an accountant's service. For example, you can acquire a new car. In a broad sense, Acquisition can mean the act of taking ownership or possession of something. There Read this Term in 2012 by CGI Group, Keating held a number of roles with the company, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President of the Benelux region and chair of its worldwide Financial Services practice.

Commenting on his new role, Seamus Keating, Chief Executive Officer, said in a press release: "Since my appointment as Executive Chairman my priority has been to ensure the Group maintains its drive to deliver growth."

“During this time I have met stakeholders across the business, including employees, customers, partners and investors across all the regions in which the Group operates. I have been struck by the high regard in which FD and our corporate culture is held, which provides an excellent platform on which to execute the Group's strategy."

“I am grateful to FD's employees who have shown immense dedication during this difficult period and to the Board for its support as I take on this new role, leading FD to achieve its long-term objectives."

Donna Troy named as Chairman of Group

First Derivatives also announced this Wednesday that Donna Troy, a Non-Executive Director of the fintech firm, has also been appointed as Chairman of the Group. Furthermore, following Keating’s departure from the Nomination Committee, Virginia Gambale will now be the chair.

"We are delighted that Seamus has agreed to lead FD on the next stage of its journey. He was appointed Executive Chairman under the most difficult of circumstances and has demonstrated his ability to lead the team effectively while we undertook a search for a new CEO,” added Donna Troy in the statement.

“There was considerable interest in the role from well-qualified candidates. However, as we refined the requirements it was apparent that we already had an outstanding candidate in Seamus. When he signalled his desire to take on the role the Board was thrilled and I look forward to working with him to execute our strategy to realise the enormous potential within the Group."