LONDON (ShareCast) - (ShareCast News) - Software and managed services provider Dotdigital Group announced on Wednesday that Simone Barratt will not be returning to the business following a brief period of illness, and current interim CEO Milan Patel had been formally appointed as CEO with immediate effect.
The AIM-traded firm had announced in January that Barratt was taking extended absence from her role as CEO due to her treatment.

"Simone is stepping down from her position in dotdigital with immediate effect, allowing her to focus fully on her recovery," the board's statement read.

Patel will remain in his existing role as CFO until the board concludes its search for a suitable CFO replacement.

He will continue to be supported by George Kasparian, non-board finance director, and his finance team,, the board confirmed.

Patel will also have additional support from board director Peter Simmonds until such time as a new CFO has been appointed.

Dotdigital said he will continue to manage the business through the senior operational board which includes Phil Draper, CMO, Sharon Head, COO, and Steve Shaw, CTO.

Tink Taylor, one of the co-founders and board director, will also assist Patel and the operational board in the development of international markets.

"The board would like to thank Simone for her tremendous efforts at dotdigital, initially as a non-executive director and latterly, in her role as CEO," said Dotdigital chairman Frank Beechinor.

"Simone's experience in the global email marketing space was invaluable during the initial stages of Dotdigital's international expansion strategy.

"On behalf of the board and the team at Dotdigital, I wish Simone well in her continued recovery and in her future endeavours," he added.

Beechinor said the board is "delighted" that Patel has agreed to formally take on the role of CEO on a permanent basis.

"Milan has been with Dotdigital for nearly nine years and has been a key member of the management team in the successful evolution of the business during this period.

"He has acquitted himself well in his time as interim CEO during Simone's absence, as illustrated by Friday's strong trading statement," Beechinor explained.

He said Patel is well-respected by the operational board and the workforce, and has been instrumental in supporting the rapid organic growth of the company, particularly over the last three years as the business has expanded internationally.

"With a strong team in place under Milan's leadership the Board is confident that dotdigital will continue to go from strength to strength," Beechinor added.

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