Landmark Technologies names Richard Wheatley as CFO

Landmark Technologies has appointed Richard Wheatley as Chief Financial Officer, adding a finance executive with experience across large technology groups and smaller businesses.

Wheatley will lead the Irish IT and cybersecurity provider's financial strategy and oversee investment in its team as Landmark sharpens its focus on artificial intelligence.

He began his career at Deloitte before moving into senior financial and commercial roles at Vodafone and Microsoft. He later served as Chief Financial Officer at Fonua, then set up his own consultancy providing fractional Chief Financial Officer services.

Most recently, he held senior finance roles at medtech company T-PRO and at Almotech. Over his career, he has worked with start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses, and multinational groups, including companies going through organic growth and acquisitions.

Founded in Dublin in 1998, Landmark provides IT and cybersecurity services. Wheatley's appointment comes as the company continues to invest in the business and develop its specialism in AI.

Ken Kelleher, Managing Director of Landmark Technologies, said the hire reflects Wheatley's breadth of experience.

"Richard has worked with some of the world's largest technology companies, as well as businesses at very different stages of development. He understands the financial and commercial decisions that come with scaling a technology business, and that experience will be extremely valuable to us.

This is an important appointment for Landmark as the business develops. Richard's judgement and experience will be a real asset to the leadership team, and we're delighted to welcome him."

Career background

Wheatley is a qualified chartered accountant. Alongside his corporate roles, he serves as Chairman of Park Celtic, a community football club in Cabinteely with 35 teams from academy to senior level.

His experience spans telecoms, software, consumer electronics and medical technology, giving him exposure to businesses with different operating models and at different stages of maturity. That breadth is likely to be relevant as Landmark balances day-to-day operations with investment decisions tied to its next phase of development.

The company's focus on AI marks a shift in emphasis for a business better known for IT support, cloud, automation and cybersecurity services. Wheatley's remit includes aligning financial planning with that direction while supporting spending on staff and services.

In remarks accompanying the appointment, Wheatley set out his approach to the role.

"Having worked with start-ups as well as large multinationals, I know how crucial it is for financial planning to keep pace with ambition. Landmark has a strong team in place and a clear sense of where it wants to go next, which is what made the opportunity so appealing.

My focus will be on making sure the financial strategy supports that direction, giving the business the confidence to keep investing in its people, services and future capabilities. I'm looking forward to bringing my experience to the team and helping shape what comes next."

Strategic role

Chief Financial Officers have taken on a broader role in technology companies in recent years as boards weigh how quickly to invest in newer areas while managing costs and preserving margins. At smaller and mid-sized businesses in particular, finance leaders often play a central part in decisions on hiring, acquisitions, service expansion and capital allocation.

For Landmark, the appointment brings in an executive who has worked both inside large international companies and in advisory roles with growing businesses. That mix may prove useful as the company positions itself in a market where demand for cybersecurity, cloud and AI-related services is evolving quickly.

Landmark has been operating for more than 25 years and serves business customers across managed IT, automation, cloud and cybersecurity.