Newcastle’s Gray Fox Consulting appoints new chief operating officer

Newcastle-based business and IT practice Gray Fox Consulting has announced the appointment of Chris Murray as chief operating officer.

Chris joins from BT Global Technology Services, and brings 30 years of experience, most recently working on digital transformation programmes for large global enterprises.

Established in 2019 by founder and CEO, Alistair McLeod, Gray Fox Consulting is a boutique consultancy, focused on providing small to medium enterprises with advice and support for business and digital transformation programmes. It works in partnership with UK organisations across multiple industries and has over 60 years of combined experience, helping clients successfully adopt and leverage technology to meet their business goals.

Despite the pandemic, the company has seen revenue increase by over 50% in the last 12 months and has ambitious plans to double in size each year for the next five years. The business has already gained an impressive client portfolio which includes Ryder Architecture, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Traverse Ltd and RTC North.

Alistair McLeod, said: “I established Gray Fox Consulting two years ago, having previously been a director at Waterstons IT Consulting. I identified a gap in the market, to help SMEs access high quality strategic advice, while helping them develop digital investment plans that are pragmatic and affordable. Having begun my career as a software developer and later, becoming a company director, I have the added value of understanding both business and tech.

“I have known Chris for many years, having worked with him previously at a global business consultancy in the 1990s, and his background and credentials will add real value to our clients. Chris has the passion and drive to support our future growth plans as we mark our second anniversary, this November.”

Gray Fox Consulting also helps young people in the region realise their potential, through voluntary work as an enterprise advisor to schools. The business is passionate about inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Chris Murray, said: “Prior to joining Gray Fox Consulting, I worked across a number of senior roles at BT Global Technology Services, gaining invaluable experience and insight in digital transformation for large corporate clients. Alistair approached me because he recognised how this experience could be beneficial to SMEs in the North East. We are both passionate about making a difference to the region.”