BARNABY KENT
My Skills & Experience
ABOUT ME
Up Close & Personal
I began my professional journey in 1999 and spent a short time climbing the corporate ladder, before jumping off and running my own companies.
It started with a small technology company based in an old village abattoir, that grew and became part of a leading global software provider, trading on the London Stock Exchange with offices around the World. The growth was incredible, all consuming, rewarding, and exhausting.
The success of Ideagen plc has now given me immense freedom for which I'm eternally grateful, and in December 2021 I pulled back from being COO to pursue other interests, give a little back, and restore balance.
Following a short break I joined the Board of two AIM listed technology organisations - Sopheon plc and Journeo plc, and joined Equals Trust, a leading multi academy educational trust, as a Board Trustee. In addition, I set up Plumtree Consultants, a private investment fund supporting exciting organisations; did a little consulting in private equity, and became a Magistrate within the Nottinghamshire courts.
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The last few years have been incredibly exciting as Sopheon was sold into private equity and I moved on as part of the transition, Journeo continues to grow at break neck speed, Equals Trust expanded and I past the Trustee baton on, Plumtree Consultants flourishes, and the consulting and magistrate has work rolled on.
EDUCATION
My Schooling
80s and 90s
GREAT SCHOOLS
Lots of GCSEs and A-levels which I thought at the time were the most important thing in the World... they're not.
1996 - 1999
BSC HONS GEOLOGY
A degree in rocks and volcanoes! Fantastic years and gave me the analytical skills I still use today.
2004 - 2009
MBA
Undoutedly adding huge depth and breadth to my business skills. Hard work for sure, but hugely rewarding.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
1999 - 2002
CORUS GROUP
My first job! An exciting graduate programme that equipped me with the skills and gave me the confidence to rapidly grow my professional career.
2002 -2012
PLUMTREE GROUP
Growing an SME and employing a team of 30+ people was a period of time which gives me huge pride. I lost count of the number times everything was risked pursuing the vision for Plumtree!
2012 - 2022
IDEAGEN
Plumtree Group was acquired by Ideagen to form a company of ~80 people, but what followed then was the stuff of dreams! Ideagen grew relentlessly and was sold in 2022 for £1.05 billion. An unbelievable journey, supported by amazing family and friends, and the incredible 1,000+ colleagues.
2021 - 2024
EQUALS TRUST
A Board Trustee at this leading educational trust, with a focus on ensuring every young person is given the best opportunity. 15 schools, 600 employees, and £25m+ Revenue.
Feb 2023 - Feb 2024
SOPHEON PLC
A NED at LSE:AIM listed technology company recognised as the market leader within innovation management software. Sold for a 104% share premium, selling into private equity for £115m.
2022 - Present
PLUMTREE CONSULTANTS
CEO of a private investment fund and management consultancy, supporting amazing organisations around the World.
March 2023 - Present
JOURNEO PLC
A NED at high growth LSE:AIM listed technology company leading the way on integrated transport systems.
Sept 2024 - Present
TZUKA LTD
A NED at an exciting UK start-up based out of Loughborough University, bringing to market industry changing sports earbuds.
MY SKILLSET
Track record of success over 25+ years
Positive attitude and confidently motivates, mobilizes and coaches all company stakeholders.
People focused - productivity and engagement
Proven expertise in change management at multi-site, multi-product organisations, on a global basis.
Successful leadership through change, growth, and then disposal.
Exceptional financial acumen at a hands-on operational level.
Confident and decisive decision maker, happy to take responsibility and accountability.
"Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr Seuss
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"The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas" - Chemist Linus Pauling
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"If the path before you is clear, you're probably on somebody else's path" - Joseph Campbell