The Directors
Having started the company, Robert Massie has now strategically enhanced the senior management of the organisation with key members specialising in key areas of the business.
Richard Field OBE - Chairman
Approached by CEO to assist Highlander as a business consultant, became chairman two years later in 1997.
Richard has a passion for individual, team and organisational growth and development, and his love of leadership and learning are the threads that link many of his past and current appointments.
Highlander benefits greatly from the expert advice and coaching that Richard delivers. His wealth of experience and knowledge will be key to further and continued success at Highlander Business Solutions.
Robert Massie – Chief Executive
Robert formed Highlander in 1995 to serve local SME´s and Universities with computer systems and solutions.
Whilst his birthplace is Aberdeen, Robert chose to settle in South Yorkshire and has not looked back since. His passion for Highlander and Sheffield has led to Robert being invited to become an Ambassador for Sheffield by Sheffield First for Investment.
Robert is an active Chief Executive who enjoys working ‘in´ as well as ‘on´ the business. He thrives on the variety and enjoyment that comes from managing a fast growing and successful IT & Telecoms Company.
Steve Brown – Managing Director
Joining Highlander in February 2001, Steve has operated in a number of roles within the organisation - starting as Field Sales Executive before progressing to Sales Manager, General Manager, Commercial Director and now Managing Director.
After leaving College Steve was a professional footballer for two years before injury curtailed his career and he went back to education, graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 1998. Steve then worked for two years in Cardiff as a Finance Manager with a leading retailer before moving back to Sheffield.
His wide ranging commercial role at Highlander is split between the sales and the engineering operation. This ensures that communication and delivery of client requirements within a complex and fast changing industry are maximised.
Steve´s understanding of each section of the organisation is now an invaluable tool in making sure that Highlander delivers first class customer service – the number one priority at all times.
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Karrie Massie - Director
Karrie joined Highlander in February 2002 as Company Secretary and Director.
Qualifying as a Dental Hygienist from Charles Clifford Hospital in 1986, Karrie had commanded a number of diverse roles within the private dental industry.
Achievements included the integration of a paperless dental surgery in the late 1980´s with the development of a specially designed computer system and also the management of specialist dental teams. Karrie was also instrumental in implementing one of the first intra-oral cameras in Yorkshire, resulting in tangible benefits for both the patient and the dental profession.
Karrie joining Highlander in 2002 coincided with the exciting move to our premises at Sheffield Airport Business Park. Since the appointment Karrie has completely re-structured all company Health Safety, Employment Law and other legislative procedures and still maintains control over these whilst now also spending more time in a more customer facing role.
Chris Muscroft - Commercial Director
Chris joined Highlander in April 2003 following a successful career in I.T Account Management.
Having started his career at Sheffield Newspapers, Chris left to pursue a sales role for a local I.T. supplier, providing network solutions for small businesses in the South Yorkshire area.
After two rewarding years, Chris left to further develop his technical and account management skills, this time providing guidance to large corporate organisations across the UK. His remit was to design solutions aimed at reducing costs, enabling growth and increase profitability for the company´s client base.
During this time, Chris was also responsible for the company´s Microsoft licensing arm for the UK. This was coupled with management of a Business Continuity Campaign, an area which Chris has extensive knowledge of.
Chris´ goal for Highlander is to utilise his experience when developing complex and business lead I.T. projects for new and existing clients. He is also developing a team of professional Account Managers to provide the highest level of I.T. service available in the SME market place.
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John Akings - Technical Director
Joining Highlander in March 2001 as a Field Engineer, John has progressed through the roles of Technical Resource & Project Manager to Technical Director.
Born in Doncaster, John joined the Royal Air Force after leaving school in 1982. Working in Logistics for 14 years responsible for ensuring equipment was available all around the world to keep the fleet flying. This included tours in UK, Germany, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands before pursuing his hobby of IT from 1996.
John's vast experience on service delivery has ensured a continual rise in service performance since his appointment and a continuation in these performance levels is a key focus area for future initiatives and developments in the provision of technical resource and expertise to our clients.
Daniel Bumby - Business Development Director
Daniel joined Highlander in 2004 after building a successful B2B e-commerce organisation from the grounds up hitting £2m revenue within the 1st year.
Daniel’s career started in the music industry for a local record label during such time they enjoyed a number 1 album and several top 20 hits. Daniel then enjoyed a successful a time with the UK’s largest insurer before taking the step into I.T. with sales and account management experience at a large global reseller before moving onto the e-commerce business.
Daniel's remit at Highlander was to create, manage & develop a UK wide sales division however the role has now developed into more than just a UK wide sales development role, Daniel also manages key vendor relationships for Highlander and is constantly looking for solutions to help mid-size & enterprise clients deploy and manage complex I.T. systems.
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