Today we have announced the appointment of a new chief executive. Andrew Powell, who joined the company as chief operating officer in January, will take up the position at the helm of the business.
The Training Room founder and former CEO, Jonathan Davies, will assume a non-executive director role in which he will focus on strategic development, forging new partnerships and relationships for The Training Room as it continues its expansion.
From 1 October, Powell will be responsible for running the business from our Poole headquarters, and will oversee both day-to-day operations as well as delivery of the business’s growth plan to train 10,000 students per annum over the next three years.
On his promotion, Powell said: “Under Jonathan’s leadership over the past eight years The Training Room’s business has grown, diversified and established an industry-leading reputation for delivering quality fast-track training across multiple sectors.
“We’re now looking to build on these impressive foundations, continuing to invest in the growth of the business, developing new service lines and penetrating new markets, both in the UK and abroad.
“Our potential for growth is huge. The aspiration is to train 10,000 students by 2016, but this is just the first destination on a much bigger journey – and it’s a journey I’m very much looking forward to leading in my new role, supported by an experienced and passionate team.”
This announcement comes on the back of 12 months of success for the company, which operates 21 dedicated training academies across the UK.
At the close of 2013, we announced a multi-million pound investment from mid-market private equity house, LDC, designed to accelerate company’s growth and facilitate its expansion into new markets. In May, we announced our transition from single to multi-sector operator with the launch of our beauty industry training offering.
John Darlington, The Training Room chairman, commented: “In the period following LDC’s investment we have invested heavily in both our people and our infrastructure, and the business has become a multi-channel, multi-sector operation with aspirations to grow significantly both at home and overseas. Both Jonathan and Andrew have been instrumental in making this happen, and together are a powerful combination, driving the company to achieve its ambitious long-term business goals."