Leadership Team
Léon Crisp – CTO and founder
Léon is regarded by the industry as a visionary and secureVirtual was born from his passion for technology. Léon first started programming computers in 1980 when he was 10 years old (using a Sinclair ZX80). His fascination with the world around him, and how things work, led him to study science at Cambridge University where he gained an MA.
After graduating, Léon spent the next 18 years designing and developing business software applications and network infrastructures, including the SVi private cloud hosting platform.
He now specialises as a Business Systems Architect and leads the technical direction of secureVirtual.
Why did you go into IT?
Because I love designing, building and optimising "machines" and systems. As a teenager I would spend hours tuning my car engine to get maximum miles per gallon. (And discovered car analogies can be used for every situation!) I also built several boats. When I bought a house, I completely rebuilt it.
Also, IT happened to be something I picked up very fast and could take a long way, therefore allowing me to provide a valuable service.
Who inspires you?
That's a hard one as it is quite wide ranging, so a full answer would be very long. I feel inspired every day by conversations I have or things I read, or see. It might not always be "who", as I am often inspired by nature, animals, plants, and the world around me.
Name a favourite book
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Currently reading An Intimate History of Humanity by Theodore Zeldin.
Learn more:
Léon lives with his wife in Twickenham, London. Driven by learning, Léon is always studying many things at once, including new technologies, science, Japanese, philosophy, psychology, health, anthropology. He also really enjoys travelling and learning about other cultures.
Choice of coffee would be a mint tea.
Richard Barnwell - CEO
Rich is an energetic and dynamic business expert with a passion for entrepreneurship, and business development. Before joining secureVirtual Rich was leading the technology and customer service operations for one of the world's largest internet companies. This included overseeing the global network infrastructure.
As part of the core management team he was heavily involved in building the business from a small start-up to an award winning global company with over 5 million customers and £40 million turnover in just 4 years - something Rich is aiming to bring to secureVirtual.
Why did you go into business?
The energy. I love working with great people to achieve something. The right kind of business is filled with people wanting to be successful. There is nothing like the buzz of making a new idea come to life! Plus doing business is just really good fun.
Who inspires you?
There are so many people, from business leaders to charity workers. I don't think there is any one person though. I am always inspired by those who have made something of themselves through nothing more than determination, hard work and some good ideas.
Name a favourite book
Although a few years old now, Sam Walton: Made in America, is a great inspirational story about a company that now impacts so many
people, and its humble beginnings.
I have also just finished Richard Branson's latest book which is a great read for any aspiring leader.
Learn more:
Rich lives with his wife in Richmond, London. He thoroughly enjoys his sports and is a keen follower of rugby. He is also partial to a game of golf (in the summer months). Rich enjoys learning more about business and reading about company success stories. As well as studying business he has a keen interest in science.
Choice of coffee would be a cappuccino.
Philip Anderson - Chairman
Philip is an energetic, insightful and widely experienced company director and advisor with a successful corporate and entrepreneurial track record. He has a deep interest in people dynamics and different cultures, and has extensive experience of mentoring and coaching senior executives and younger people.
He finds it difficult to answer the question ‘where do you come from?’, as he has spent much of his life either living or working overseas, and feels very much a citizen of the world with a particular affinity with SE Asia where he was CEO of an insurance joint venture. Among other initiatives, Philip has co-founded an award winning consulting and technology business, and chairs Global Business Partnership Alliance (GBPA).
What brought you into business?
I was lucky as I did a business degree which included a year's commercial experience. I worked for a hosiery and knitwear supplier to Marks & Spencer where I was given the challenge of persuading people in the factories to try some innovations in process and machinery.
I learnt a huge amount about people, process, technology, collaborative working and innovation in a very short time and I have not stopped learning ever since. I also discovered how hard it is to develop effective customer/supplier relationships, which if anything, are a bigger challenge now because of the extended value chain that we all operate in.
What's your favourite book?
Impossible question! As with music, without which I'd struggle to survive, I have a very eclectic taste. I don't believe that there are good or bad books or music. If you like it, then it matters to you.
I am always on the lookout for something that I’ve not read or heard before, and will follow up on other people’s recommendations.
Learn more:
Learn more Philip lives in Surrey with his wife, who writes and advises on communications, and they have four daughters. He enjoys sport, the arts and exploring different cultures. He believes that the most important attributes for success are to be curious and to develop outstanding listening skills.
