Ian Ferguson

Ian S Ferguson founded Metaswitch Networks (then Data Connection) in 1981, and led the development of the company, as Chairman and CEO, until 2008. His current role is Chairman of the Trustees of the company’s Employee Benefit Trust, which is a significant shareholder and acts in the interests of all employees. He represents the Employee Benefit Trust on the Board. As a manager, accountant, salesman and leader, he believes in ability, effort, reward, people - and fun. Above all, the company has developed under his guidance to create commercial success and share the reward equitably; do the difficult things - well; concentrate on people and their development be an open, unpoliced, responsible, communicative society; continue and thrive with a senior management team committed to stable, long-term growth. He is also actively involved in education with the UK Government, and sits on National Boards, where his interests lie in improving funding and support for disadvantaged children, as well as improving work-based learning programmes, including Apprenticeships. His contributions in this area were recognised by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 with the award of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).