August 15,2019

Graeme Watt

The latest issue of Executive Perspective features Graeme Watt, CEO of Softcat, a UK-based IT reseller and FTSE 250 listed company. Watt joined Softcat as CEO last year after previous CEO Martin Hellawell moved to chairman of Softcat. Under Watt’s leadership, Softcat has achieved impressive growth. In this interview, Watt discusses the unconventional career path that led him to the IT industry, his 30-year background in IT distribution and the transition from a distributor to a reseller-based IT business. He touches on how Brexit may impact Softcat and the industry as a whole, along with what he believes are the biggest trends in the IT space right now. Watt dives into the importance of culture, why culture is Softcat’s biggest differentiator in a crowded market, and how this has led to and will continue to lead Softcat’s explosive growth. Watt also discusses why he thinks record M&A activity in the IT industry will continue and how it can contribute to companies’ growth. He closes the interview by discussing why it’s important to always understand the “why” — and how doing this stimulates innovation.

Back to Articles

09 May 2023

DynamicsCon LIVE Conference Information

martinwolf will be attending the DynamicsCon LIVE conference in Scottsdale May 22-25. Book a confidential one-on-one meeting with Michael Rosholt to learn about market trends, current valuations, and how to prepare for a sale. DynamicsCon attendees are also eligible for a complementary M&A Readiness Scorecard from martinwolf. Contact Michael Rosholt at mrosholt@martinwolf.com to...

22 Feb 2023

How Microsoft Channel Partners Can Command High Valuations

In today’s rapidly changing ecosystem, simple organic growth doesn’t give Microsoft Channel Partners long-term competitive advantage. During the last five years, Microsoft Channel Partners have commanded high valuations due to strong and sustainable business models, as well as a track record of profitability. Most were small mid-market businesses that had to decide to be...

31 Jan 2023

Rising Interest Rates Chill Private Equity Pace

After a year of strength on the private equity front, 2022 is now in the rearview mirror and industry professionals anticipate a downgrade in performance for the coming year. Despite the fluctuations of the past few years, private equity has withstood the challenges relatively well. However, in certain areas such as exit activity and...