July 2025 Sparx Systems Software GmbH – Europe: The Man Setting the Standard for Model- Based Systems Engineering in Europe 1st Aid Fire Limited: Specialist Fire Risk Assessments and Training Featuring
Welcome to the July 2025 issue of CEO Monthly. We are pleased to bring a selection of news, features, and success stories to our readers around the world. Often times, a CEO is the very backbone of a company – no matter the size of the enterprise. Working diligently to build and maintain high performing teams, and to support their business in every way possible, CEOs have a phenomenal impact on the future of not only the business they work for, but also the future of the sector, customers, and clients they serve via their team collaboration. We turn to these leading lights as they set a fine example for those to follow, and those who are already making a name for themselves. We sincerely hope you enjoy this issue as we invite you to peruse our July features. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 7. Sparx Systems Software GmbH – Europe: The Man Setting the Standard for Model- Based Systems Engineering in Europe 8. 1st Aid Fire Limited: Specialist Fire Risk Assessments and Training 9. Cross-Generational Strategy Alignment: Execution Techniques for Multigenerational Workforces 10. How Digital Agencies Supercharge Business Growth Contents
NEWS Polymatech Electronics Appoints Allen Nejah as Chief Innovation Officer and Head of New Product Development Strategic Leadership to Drive Innovation in Next-Generation Semiconductor Technologies
Highgate, an industry-leading hotel management, investment, and development company, today announced the appointment of Pete Sams as President. In this newly created role, Sams will focus on optimizing business performance to achieve outstanding financial results for owners, deliver memorable guest experiences, and expand opportunities for associates. This strategic move reaffirms Highgate’s unwavering commitment to raising the bar in hospitality operations by building a world-class team committed to creating lasting value and leading outcomes for stakeholders. Sams will assume the position on July 7. As President, Sams will oversee enterprise-wide performance across Highgate’s portfolio of 500 properties while strengthening the company’s focus on its people-first culture. Working closely with Highgate’s Principals, including Principal and CEO Arash Azarbarzin, and discipline leaders, Sams will harness the company’s scale, leveraging its capabilities across systems, talent, procurement, and market intelligence to deliver meaningful value for owners and partners. His arrival will reinforce Highgate’s leadership position in the hospitality industry, enhancing organizational agility and ensuring high-fidelity execution across the portfolio while contributing to its culture of innovation. With 30 years of transformational leadership and bestin-class results, Sams has a proven track record of driving profitability and organizational excellence. Most recently, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at Peregrine Hospitality, formerly KSL Resorts, where he led performance management, operational optimization, and strategic direction of a rapidly expanding portfolio of luxury, lifestyle, resort, and select service properties. Before Peregrine, Sams served as Chief Operating Officer of Davidson Hospitality Group, where he oversaw a portfolio of more than 85 properties and successfully guided the organization through significant growth. Earlier in his career, Sams served as Executive Vice President, Full-Service Operations at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Regional Vice President at White Lodging Services, as well as nearly two decades with Omni Hotels, where he began his hospitality journey and ultimately grew to serve numerous key leadership positions including General Manager and Area Director of Finance. Sams is a proud veteran of the United States Army and is a graduate of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in Finance. He continues to serve the hospitality industry through his contributions on brand advisory boards and as a two-term representative on the AH&LA Board of Directors. HIGHGATE APPOINTS PETE SAMS AS PRESIDENT Polymatech Electronics, India’s pioneering semiconductor company headquartered in Chennai, proudly announces the appointment of Allen Nejah as Chief Innovation Officer and Head of New Product Development. This strategic hire underscores Polymatech’s commitment to advancing its global innovation strategy and accelerating the development of cutting-edge semiconductor and RF systems for industries such as AI, healthcare, and sustainable electronics. Leadership in Innovation and Product Development In his new role, Nejah will spearhead Polymatech’s global innovation charter, overseeing the development of nextgeneration products and shaping the company’s research and development (R&D) strategy. Collaborating closely with engineering teams, he will drive the creation of marketready solutions, strengthening Polymatech’s position as a leader in the global electronics market. Nejah’s expertise in AI-integrated semiconductors, sustainable electronics, and cross-industry innovation aligns seamlessly with Polymatech’s vision of delivering transformative, scalable technologies. “Allen’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as we expand our footprint across critical sectors,” said Eswara Rao Nandam, CEO and Managing Director of Polymatech Electronics. “His visionary approach, technical expertise, and proven ability to deliver market-ready solutions will enhance our capabilities and position us to lead in the global semiconductor industry.” The new products on which Polymatech is working will now be released globally after patents are approved. A Proven Innovator with Global Impact With over 35 years of experience across aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, medical devices, semiconductors, consumer electronics, and IoT, Nejah brings a wealth of expertise to Polymatech. As the Founder and CEO of SunMan Engineering, a Silicon Valley-based product development firm, he delivered over 1,664 system-level engineering projects since 1990. Nejah’s patented technologies have been adopted by global leaders such as Apple, Tesla, Ford, Samsung, Google, and Adobe, showcasing his ability to bridge emerging technologies with commercial scalability. Nejah’s track record includes groundbreaking innovations, such as introducing one of the world’s first connected car platforms at CES 2007. This platform, which integrated voice recognition, GPS, wireless connectivity, and multi-sensor technology, was a precursor to modern smart mobility and autonomous vehicle systems. His company, Telemetria Inc., also demonstrated the world’s first 4G ‘WiMax’ technology in collaboration with Intel, Verizon, Clear Wire, Vodafone, and SunMan, highlighting his forward-thinking approach to engineering and cross-domain integration. “I am honored to join Polymatech Electronics at such a transformative time,” said Nejah. “The company’s mission to deliver advanced semiconductor solutions that address real-world challenges resonates deeply with my passion for innovation. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team to create impactful products and drive Polymatech’s growth on a global scale.” A Visionary Leader and Mentor An inventor and serial entrepreneur, Nejah has founded and scaled multiple technology ventures, including SunMan Engineering, LightSpeed LLC, Telemetria Inc., and InfiniGear Robotics. His ability to anticipate technological shifts and deliver scalable solutions has earned him a reputation as a pioneer in product design and innovation. Nejah holds a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia and serves as a volunteer professor at San Jose State University, where he mentors young engineers in product development and innovation. His leadership reflects Polymatech’s commitment to building a world-class team capable of driving futurefacing technologies from concept to global impact.
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CEO MONTHLY / JULY 2025 7 The Man Setting the Standard for ModelBased Systems Engineering in Europe Sparx Systems Software GmbH – Europe (Sparx Systems Europe) delivers model-based platforms designed to offer clarity, precision, and alignment across its clients’ complex internal systems. Going beyond modelling approaches to offer the tools and platforms that make model-based engineering a success, the company is ushering in an era of digital transformation where complexity is embraced – not hidden behind. We caught up with CEO Peter Lieber, recognised here as the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Enterprise Architecture Modelling (Europe), for more. Sparx Systems Europe’s European branch represents the Australian software company’s business interests in Austria – where this division is headquartered – as well as in Germany, Switzerland, and several other surrounding countries in Europe. Like the wider brand, Sparx Systems Europe prides itself on humanin-the-loop modelling, which sees its platforms augment human expertise and decision making – not replace them. “We don’t just ‘sell software’ – we help teams think better, collaborate more effectively, and architect meaningful solutions. We’re proud to be a European voice in a global market often dominated by US narratives.” The company specialises in model-based systems engineering, enterprise architecture software, and data architecture, with its distinction best seen through Enterprise Architect, a digital engineering platform spanning business software, systems, and architecture. Enterprise Architect covers everything from visualising to analysing, modelling, testing, and maintaining a business’ internals, with this reliable, flexible, and feature-heavy solution being available at various price points with features to best suit a client needs. Products such as Enterprise Architect reflect the core values of Sparx Systems Europe – precision, accountability, integrity, and partnership – down to a T, and these values guide everything the company does. Exploring this further, Peter told us: “We empower our customers to shift from reactive IT operations to proactive, architecture-led transformation – always putting people and their expertise at the centre of the platform experience.” As for Peter himself, this CEO is somewhat of a strategic enabler, creating a space for his people to perform at their best by making sure everybody is aligned with the company’s mission, focused on the needs of the customer, and always ready for the next steps. All of this is mirrored through Peter’s philosophy of enabling ownership, embracing clarity, and moving with purpose, which in turn forms a big part of his approach to leadership. Diving deeper into this, Peter explained: “I lead through trust and challenge. I empower strong individuals and give them space – but I also set a high bar for clarity, communication, and shared goals. My leadership style has evolved from being a doer to being an enabler – but I still stay close to the product and customer pulse. My influences include modern systems thinking, lean principles, and listening to real-world feedback.” Peter’s journey to this point has been a combination of entrepreneurship, general business development, and a specialised focus within the realms of software and systems engineering. Over the course of his career, Peter has co-founded a number of ventures and has been working in enterprise modelling now for decades. These experiences all point to one irrefutable truth: real innovation only happens when technical rigour meets human insight. It is the spark that happens when these two factors combine that fuels Sparx Systems Europe and positions it favourably in a market where issues such as interoperability and vendor-lock in and leaving organisations struggling to align business and technologybased strategies across largely fragmented toolchains. Not one to be defeated, the company overcomes these challenges by delivering open and adaptable platforms and fostering discourses around raising the bar when it comes to industry standards. This is a path that Peter and the small but deeply committed team of specialists comprising a Sparx Systems Europe are keen on continuing to tread, especially as they expand the capabilities of their platforms for system integration, further improve cross-discipline modelling support, and launch initiatives concerning data architecture and digital continuity. Peter added: “We also plan to further grow our training and community outreach efforts, especially around open standards and toolchain interoperability.” Regarding his own career, Peter strives to keep building companies and ecosystems that he personally believes in – enabling his teams to take ownership as he focuses on vision, strategy, and nurturing high-impact partnerships. Offering a piece of advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps, Peter shared with us in closing: “Be ready to serve before you lead. Don’t fall in love with your own ideas – fall in love with the customer’s problems. Build systems that scale, and teams that challenge you.” Contact: Peter Lieber Company: Sparx Systems Software GmbH – Europe Web Address: https://www. sparxsystems.eu/ May25131
CEO MONTHLY / JULY 2025 8 he road to becoming a CEO is often paved with diverse experiences and the honing of expertise in areas such as education and leadership. However, few CEOs have had a journey as rich as Darren J. Young, whose career began in 1990 as a firefighter for the Royal Air Force. Across his tenure in the RAF, Darren developed skills relating to emergency response and risk management in some of the most demanding conditions known to man. Since leaving the RAF in 2006, Darren has pursued a range of different opportunities, from instructing and advising on fire safety for the NHS to working as a sports presenter and even a television host. It was his eight years as a teacher that were perhaps the most rewarding for Darren though, as these represented a rewarding challenge and the chance to develop his own communication and training skills – all whilst empowering others. 1st Aid Fire is as successful as it is today as a result of Darren’s dual experience as a teacher and a firefighter, with his aim since taking on the role of CEO being to deliver practical, engaging, and highquality education designed to accurately prepare organisations to protect their people and property should disaster strike. This is achieved through provisions such as emergency first-aid courses, fire awareness training, and thorough fire risk assessments. Injecting his expert knowledge across all of these programmes, Darren’s commitment to professional development and innovation has, over the years, led to recognition from across industry. This includes featuring in last year’s iteration of this programme, when Darren received the title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – Kent (Fire Risk Assessments). One-upping that this year, Darren’s drive to deliver results is today stronger than ever before. This sentiment is shared by the entire team at 1st Aid Fire and is something ingrained in the company culture that stems from Darren’s approach to leadership. Exploring this further, Darren told us: “I’ve evolved from a hands-on, directive approach to one of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. I want everyone on the team to feel valued, confident, and motivated to take ownership of their roles. Being approachable and listening closely to the team’s ideas and concerns has helped build a culture where people thrive.” Specialist Fire Risk Assessments and Training Darren J. Young is the CEO of 1st Aid Fire Limited, a company offering fire risk assessments and delivering comprehensive fire and first-aid training to workplaces and open training venues across the UK. Having led the business now for more than a decade, Darren leverages a professional background – including a 16-year stint as an RAF firefighter and eight years as teacher – to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. On the back of his recognition as the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Fire Risk Assessments (UK), we caught up with Darren for more. “Building a culture of trust and open communication is essential – your team should feel valued and heard. Leadership is not a solo journey, so surround yourself with people who complement your strengths and challenge you to be better.” On the back of this culture, innovation has been able to flourish at 1st Aid Fire, which is continuing to use the latest technology to enhance both its fire-safety training and risk assessments. One example of this is its upcoming AI-powered app, Fire Risk Pro Assessor, which is set to be introduced in July. Darren explained: “The app will allow businesses to perform precise, expert-level fire risk assessments via their mobile devices.” This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the company also utilises state-of-the-art tools such as virtual reality simulations to offer trainees realistic drills, with courses being updated constantly to adhere to the evolving regulations inherent in this space. These offerings allow 1st Aid Fire Limited to go one step further than its competitors and have established it as a trusted leader in the field of fire safety – one known for innovation and integrity. Finally, reflecting on his back-to-back titles, Darren told us: “Winning this award is a huge honour and a validation of our hard work and commitment to excellence. It motivates me to raise our standards even higher as we expand from a local to a national presence.” He continued: “If you’re interested in learning more or partnering with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can create safer workplaces and communities for everyone.” T Contact: Darren J. Young Company: 1st Aid Fire Limited Web Address: c
CEO MONTHLY / JULY 2025 9 Cross-Generational Strategy Alignment: Execution Techniques for Multigenerational Workforces Workforce demographics are more varied than ever, with an influx of college graduates starting their careers and older adults staying employed for extended periods. Although a blend of tried-and-true methods and fresh industry perspectives benefits organizations, many leaders find aligning diverse generations toward the same strategic goals challenging. Yet, successfully leveraging generational strengths and unifying teams can give businesses a much-needed boost. Understanding Generational Differences Today’s companies employ baby boomers, Generation X, millennials and Generation Z, each raised with different beliefs, values, needs and wants that shape their work ethic. Generational clashes may occur when individual values impede teams’ abilities to perform well together. For example, baby boomers might perceive Generation Z as entitled, while this younger group could view older generations as digitally illiterate. CEOs and managers must understand generational differences if they want their businesses to thrive. The four distinct values among these workers are as follows: Baby boomers: Comprise 25% of the workforce and maintain a competitive, conservative, workcentric approach Generation X: Accounts for 33% of the workforce and is considered independent, materialistic, and balanced in their work and home life Millennials: Make up 35% of the workforce and are growthoriented, flexible and inquisitive Generation Z: Comprises 5% of the workforce and brings communication, openness, collaboration and diversity to business environments Each generation’s values are critical, yet one-third of teams aren’t aligned with their organization’s strategic plans. Leadership must find a way to foster a workplace that honors and celebrates individual strengths to achieve optimal results. Bridging Communication Gaps Communication is the foundation of collaboration, clarity and trust among team members. It is a starting point for innovation and ensures everyone knows their responsibilities and goals to increase productivity and profitability. The modern workplace utilizes multiple communication pipelines, from traditional in-person meetings to video conferencing and project management software solutions, catering to all age demographics’ preferences. For instance, older employees may be more used to going into the office for face-to-face interaction, while millennials and Generation Z prefer digital communication while working from home. Experts recommend flexible, hybrid schedules so younger employees can enjoy working remotely, and older workers can still benefit from occasional office meetings. Leaders should also create a culture of inclusion and facilitate small groups for cross-generational connectedness and informal interactions. Inclusive Leadership and Mentorship Delivering comprehensive training to managers on inclusive leadership can help them manage multigenerational teams more effectively. Mentorship programs are particularly beneficial, allowing different generations to teach one another crucial skills. According to Gallup, workers with formal mentorship are 38% more likely to agree they have someone they can rely on to help them achieve their professional goals. This is especially important for younger employees just entering the workforce and seeking career guidance. The benefits of mentorship go two ways, though. While Generation Z might learn soft skills, dive into industry-specific knowledge and build confidence under a senior team member, longtime employees might gain insights into emerging trends, new technologies and how to embrace work-life balance. Leveraging Technology and Collaboration New technologies have enabled the crossgenerational workforce. Cloud computing, in particular, gives remote workers access to critical applications and information off-premises, protecting sensitive data with robust security measures. These programs allow employees to share and edit files collaboratively and increase productivity. A Gartner survey found that 80% of workers used shared workspace platforms in 2021. The pandemic further fueled videobased meetings. Despite nations lifting stay-at-home mandates with widespread vaccine rollout, remote work changed collaboration dynamics. The right digital teamwork tools encourage open communication and knowledge sharing. Companies can enhance digital fluency through workshops, mentorship and a workplace culture shift that embraces new technologies to use these resources effectively. Measuring and Adapting A strategic plan is only successful with suitable metrics, monitoring and improvement. Leaders must establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure a multigenerational workforce progresses toward the same objectives. KPIs could derive from employee surveys, one-to-one meetings or other feedback channels. Workers can score their enthusiasm and connection to their team, while managers may track participation, project success rates, involvement in mentorship programs and technology adoption rates. Adapting the plan based on insights and data demonstrates a company’s commitment to cohesion, diversity and longterm success. A Unified Workforce Defies All Ages Although age is just a number, different generations have distinct values and expertise they can bring to an organization. Leaders can help their businesses succeed and grow by enhancing team interactions and working relationships as strategically as possible. May25131
CEO MONTHLY / JULY 2025 10 Access to Specialised Expertise and Talent Pools One of the most significant advantages a digital agency brings is its deep well of specialised expertise. Building an in-house team with proficiency across all facets of digital marketing – from In an increasingly digital-first world, traditional methods of business growth are steadily being surpassed. CEOs today face the complex challenge of remaining visible while constantly evolving their online presence to connect with customers, build brand loyalty, and drive revenue. To achieve this, forward-thinking businesses enlist the support of digital agencies, acting as indispensable partners that supercharge business growth through specialised expertise, cutting-edge technology, and data-driven strategies. With support from Full Stack Industries, a Surrey web design agency, CEO Monthly have explored how digital agencies supercharge growth for businesses. SEO, PPC, and social media management to content creation, web development, and data analytics – is often cost-prohibitive and timeconsuming for most businesses. Digital agencies, however, house diverse teams of experts, each a master in their respective domain. This means CEOs gain immediate access to top-tier talent without the overheads of recruitment, salaries, benefits, and ongoing training. This collective knowledge ensures that every aspect of a digital strategy is handled by a specialist, leading to more effective campaigns and superior results. Full Stack Industries commented, “The digital landscape demands deep, specific expertise across multiple disciplines. Benefitting from collective knowledge is a significant strategic advantage, as you gain access to a diverse team of experts in their respective fields. This means clients can rest assured that every campaign is executed with precision and insight.” Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology and Tools Rapid technological advancements perfectly sum up the digital marketing landscape– new platforms, analytics tools, automation software, and AI-driven solutions continue to emerge and develop daily, meaning businesses need professionals to stay informed. Any quality digital agency will be at the forefront of this consistent technological evolution. From advanced analytics suites to sophisticated marketing automation systems and AI-powered optimisation software, partnering with an agency means that CEOs can instantly leverage this cutting-edge technology and knowledge. Enabling Dynamic Growth Whether a business needs to ramp up ad spend for a seasonal promotion, expand into new geographical markets, or launch an entirely new brand, an agency can swiftly adjust resources and strategies. This agility ensures that marketing efforts are always aligned with the company’s growth trajectory, providing the necessary support without the logistical challenges of hiring or re-training internal staff. Enhanced Brand Visibility and Customer Engagement Ultimately, business growth hinges on reaching and engaging the right audience. Digital agencies excel at enhancing online visibility and building meaningful customer connections. Through comprehensive strategies, engaging campaigns, and compelling content marketing, they ensure a brand stands out in a crowded digital marketplace. Digital agencies craft personalised messages that resonate with specific demographics, build online communities, and manage online reputations, all of which contribute to stronger brand awareness, increased lead generation, and ultimately, higher conversion rates. Final Thoughts Digital agencies are strategic partners in growth that all businesses need to utilise if they want to achieve genuine growth. For CEOs seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern market and accelerate their company’s evolution, leveraging the expertise of a digital agency is not merely an option but a strategic imperative. How Digital Agencies Supercharge Business Growth
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