Achilles appoints new CEO

Achilles, a global leader and partner of choice for supply chain risk and performance management, has announced the appointment of Paul Stanley as Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Jay Katzen, who is leaving the business after six years. 

Paul was appointed after an extensive search commenced in April after Jay informed the Board and Bridgepoint Development Capital, that he wished to step down.  Paul joins Achilles on 15th August and has vast experience as a CEO and non-executive director including as CEO of Global Navigation Solutions (GNS) where he led the successful exit in 2019. Prior to that he was the CEO of Retail Decisions (ReD), a company that provided market leading risk management, fraud and security solutions for electronic payments based on advanced AI and machine learning.

Craig Rodgerson, Chairman of Achilles, commented:

“Achilles has built a strong culture and a market leading set of solutions that solve critical problems for customers, an imperative in challenging times like these. As I talked to Paul, I was encouraged to hear of his experience, delivering success, investing in people, and growing businesses that are mission focused. I want to thank Jay for his significant contributions to Achilles and the teams over the past six years and we are excited to welcome Paul to lead Achilles during this next phase.”

 Jay Katzen, outgoing CEO of Achilles commented:

“After six great years at Achilles, I’ve decided now is the time to step down as CEO of Achilles. Following the successful sale of the business to Bridgepoint last October, and feeling very good about the foundations we have in place across the organisation, it feels like the right time to hand the reins over, to relax and spend more time with my family.

“I am really proud of all we’ve achieved at Achilles, and I have been extremely lucky to have had a great team throughout this journey. In six years, we have transformed the organisation both from a technology standpoint and a cultural one; it is truly a purpose driven organisation, and there is a genuine belief and passion in the vision to create a more sustainable future delivering supply chains that are ethical, effective and efficient. I look forward to working with Paul to ensure a smooth transition.”

Paul Stanley, incoming CEO of Achilles commented:

“Achilles is a business with a purpose, people, processes, and a modern platform to help organisations manage ethical, resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chains.  The pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global and local supply chains.  Weather volatility, energy shocks and geopolitical events are also impacting on supply chains at a time when regulation and social expectations are demanding that organisation display the highest standards in ethics and sustainability.  Many organisations have pledged to build back better, increasing their efforts in ESG and sustainability.  Achilles can help buyers and suppliers to meet that pledge and we are committed to playing our part in improving the world one supply chain at a time.

“I am excited to be joining Achilles as it builds on a thirty year history and leverages the functionality and usability of the new MyAchilles platform.  My sincere thanks to Jay for his warm welcome and thoughtful handover – he has done an incredible job steering this business through the pandemic and the re-platforming simultaneously.  He remains an active supporter of the business, and I wish him well in the next phase of his career.  I am looking forward to working with Chair Craig Rodgerson and the wider board and investment team at Bridgepoint Development Capital.  Most importantly, I am excited by what we can deliver for our customers and the engagement with the excellent global team at Achilles.”