Ideagen enhances R&D capabilities

Ideagen Plc, the UK-based, global software firm which caters to several industries such as the food and drink and the packaging sectors, is launching an enhanced research and development operation as it looks to strengthen its product suite and identify opportunities for innovation.

The company is one of the fastest growing firms operating in the multi-billion Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) market and already has some of the most successful software applications in that space. The new R&D department will be at the forefront of the company’s efforts to innovate, improve and build the next generation of its software applications.

Kim Fowler, R&D Head, Ideagen

New R&D head

Kim Fowler, who is currently Chief Development Architect at Ideagen, will lead the department and become Head of Research & Development.

“The new R&D department marks an excellent opportunity for myself and the company to really take research and development within Ideagen to the next level,” he said. “The remit of the R&D team will be to focus on how we can innovate, improve and build the next generation of our products. This will involve working directly with employees across development, sales, support and technical services to truly understand what and where our focus on innovation should be in order to deliver the most value.

Kim joined the Ideagen Group in August 2016 following the acquisition of Covalent Software Ltd, where he was a Principal Software Developer.

Since then he has successfully held several positions within the organisation, including his latest position as Chief Development Architect.

He is also a respected Consultant having launched his own company, Babble&Geek, in 1997 and has offered guidance directly and indirectly to a range of clients in the form of Tesco, Sainsburys, NASA, ESA and Northrop Grumman.

Ian Hepworth, Chief Technology Officer, Ideagen

Ian Hepworth, Ideagen’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Research and development are absolutely critical for any organisation operating in the software and general technology industry. At Ideagen, we have amazing, world class products and an outstandingly talented and experienced workforce, but we understand and have recognised that there can be no room for complacency in what is a constantly changing and ever evolving sector.

“I am really looking forward – and am very excited – to see the impact that a dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled R&D department will have on our organisation, our products and our future.”

Ian added: “Kim’s passion and experience are second to none and I truly believe this is an outstanding step for everyone involved. The launch of our new R&D department and the appointment of Kim will be the cornerstone in shifting our cultural focus towards innovation to ensure we stay among the leading players in a GRC space that is filled with opportunity.”

Operations in Southeast Asia

In March, Ideagen expanded its operations in Southeast Asia with an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to act as central hub for its business in the region. The Chief Operations Officer in Malaysia is Barnaby Kent.