Manchester-based technology company, Purple, has secured the services of Chris Dedicoat, former Executive Vice President (EVP) for multinational corporation Cisco, as a non-executive director.
As EVP for Worldwide Sales & Field Operations, Chris led a global team to help drive revenue worth over $47bn. He spent 23 years at the California-headquartered company, during which time Cisco’s IT and cybersecurity solutions have proven integral to Silicon Valley’s position as a global centre for high technology and innovation.
Currently chairman of Packet Fabric Inc, a provider of fast, on-demand connectivity, Chris brings 25+ years of sales and marketing experience in the networking, hardware, software and technology industries to Purple. His innovative and effective sales strategies contributed to Cisco’s dominant position in the market.
Chris has been a strategic partner of Purple’s for many years and will now draw on his industry knowledge to guide Purple as it embarks upon a period of strategic growth. This will see the business drive forward its vision to transform venues worldwide into highly intuitive, intelligent spaces through software including guest WiFi, digital wayfinding and analytics.
Chris Dedicoat commented: “It’s an honour to be joining this highly innovative and growing company as it strives to elevate its position in the technology marketplace. I’ve been continually impressed by the way in which its software enables venues to understand, identify and enhance visitor experience – while also helping them to drive revenue. It’s a groundbreaking provision and only set to advance further and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”
Gavin Wheeldon, Chief Executive of Purple, commented: “We’re extremely privileged to have Chris’ immensely valuable contribution to the future direction of Purple as we seek to realise our vision. Chris’ incredible track record and expertise as a key player within Cisco and indeed the wider Silicon Valley will prove hugely beneficial to our global team not to mention our clients and partners. His practical experience in managing an industry-leading enterprise sales force will also prove highly relevant to us as we grow.
“He joins our board of directors at an exciting time as we embark upon a new period of strategic growth that will see us expand our presence within specific sectors and across new territories worldwide.”
Backed by Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco, Purple was established in 2012 and embarked upon a rapid growth trajectory in 2015. Its technology enables venues across sectors including healthcare, retail and hospitality to enhance the visitor experience, optimise safety and ultimately drive revenue.
Purple was recently positioned as a Niche Player in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Indoor Location Services*.
The publication of the report was the culmination of rigorous, fact-based research by Gartner®. Industry providers are positioned by Gartner® in one of four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players.
*Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Indoor Location Services, Tim Zimmerman, Annette Zimmerman, 23 February 2022. Gartner and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc, and/or its affiliates in the US and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
