Civica CEO Wayne Story retires after six years at software provider

Public sector software provider Civica has announced the retirement of chief executive officer Wayne Story, with UK CEO Lee Perkins taking the reins of the wider business.

For the last six years, Story has led Civica as its CEO, overseeing the strategic development and operation of the business around the world. The experienced industry leader joined the company back in 2015, following a stint as CEO of technology-led business services and payments group Equiniti.

Since then, he has overseen a significant expansion of Civica’s global reach, as well as increased its software product capability, the firm said in a blog post.

“I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of our Civica team and Board to express gratitude to Wayne for his tireless contribution over the years and in particular, his leadership in successfully navigating us all through an unprecedented global pandemic - providing calm and clear direction and a reassuring ‘voice’ in uncertain times and leaving the business in such a strong position,” said Simon Downing, founder and Civica Group chair.

Story’s successor Lee Perkins first joined the company as UK CEO back in October. A tech industry veteran, Perkins has held several senior positions in the UK sector over the past two decades, including UK MD and then Group COO at Sage, CEO at M247, and UK MD at Tech Data.

Announcing his appointment to the role, Civica highlighted Perkins’ software business expertise and experience in leading transformation programmes.

“I'm delighted to welcome Lee Perkins into the role,” Downing said. “As a seasoned executive, his experience of operating international software businesses at scale and leading transformation programmes particularly around SaaS and go-to-market, means he’s well placed to build on our strong foundations, as we accelerate our growth in 2023 and beyond.”

Bilge Ogut, Civica Board member, partner, and head of the private equity technology industry vertical at Partners Group, said exciting growth opportunities lie ahead for the business, both in the UK and globally.

“Lee's skillset is ideally suited to lead Civica as these expansion opportunities materialise, given his experience of operating international software businesses and leading transformation programmes,” she said. “We look forward to Civica's next chapter under his leadership.”