Graham Dickie: From 20-Year CFO Veteran to FluidOne's New Leader
You know that moment when you meet someone who just gets it? Someone whose career trajectory makes you think, "Now that's how you build a legacy"? Well, let me tell you about Graham Dickie – a financial wizard who just landed what might be the most exciting CFO role in the UK tech scene.
Picture this: It's January 6, 2025, and while most of us are still nursing our New Year's resolutions, Graham Dickie is stepping into his new role as Chief Financial Officer at FluidOne. But this isn't just another corporate appointment. This is the kind of strategic move that makes industry insiders sit up and take notice.
The Man Behind the Numbers
Graham Dickie isn't your typical finance guy who's spent his entire career buried in spreadsheets. With over years of financial leadership experience under his belt, he's been serving as a CFO since – which means he was making big financial decisions when most of us were still figuring out how to balance our checkbooks.
His journey started at PwC as an auditor – you know, one of those prestigious "Big Four" accounting firms where careers are forged in fire and caffeine. But here's where it gets interesting: Dickie didn't just climb the corporate ladder; he leaped between industries like a financial parkour expert.
His first CFO role? Wood Group, an Aberdeen-based consulting and engineering company, where he cut his teeth in 2006. From there, he navigated through a diverse portfolio of companies including TWMA, QM Environmental, Dominion Colour Corporation, and Flying Colours Corp. Each move wasn't just a job change – it was a masterclass in adaptability.
The FluidOne Opportunity: Why This Matters
Now, let's talk about why this appointment is sending ripples through the tech industry. FluidOne isn't just another IT company – it's a transformation story that reads like a business school case study.
Six years ago, CEO Russell Horton led a management buyout backed by Livingbridge. Since then, the company has undergone what can only be described as a complete metamorphosis. They've quadrupled in size to revenues of £ million and evolved from a communications and connectivity services company into an IT and cybersecurity-led managed service provider.
Here's a breakdown of their impressive transformation:
| Metric | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Size | ~£28m (estimated) | £113m |
| IT & Cyber Revenue Mix | Minimal | Over 50% |
| Recurring Revenue | Unknown | Over 70% |
| Customer Base | Unknown | 2, customers |
But here's the kicker – they're not stopping there. FluidOne has set an audacious goal to reach £ million in turnover by 2030. That's not just growth; that's explosive expansion that requires someone who knows how to handle serious financial firepower.
What Makes Graham Dickie Different
You might be wondering, "What makes this guy so special?" Well, let me break it down for you:
The Multi-Industry Mastery
Dickie has worked across multinational businesses with revenues exceeding £ million. But it's not just about the size – it's about the complexity. He's successfully led projects focused on:
- Raising finance in challenging market conditions
- Improving profitability through strategic cost management
- Supporting sales teams with data-driven pricing strategies
- Large-scale restructuring and refinancing projects
The Private Equity Whisperer
Here's something that caught my attention: Dickie has extensive experience working with both private equity-backed firms and multi-billion dollar listed organizations. This dual perspective is gold in today's business environment. He understands the aggressive growth expectations of PE firms while also knowing how to operate under the scrutiny of public markets.
The Cultural Fit Factor
CEO Russell Horton didn't mince words when describing Dickie's appointment: "He brings unparalleled financial experience in buy and build strategies, combined with an immediate cultural fit, making him the ideal person to take us to the next level".
Cultural fit might sound like corporate speak, but it's actually crucial. FluidOne boasts one of the highest Net Promoter Scores in the industry – as of November 2024. That doesn't happen by accident. It requires leaders who genuinely understand and embody customer-first values.
The Real-World Impact: A Case Study in Strategic Appointments
Let me paint you a picture of what strategic CFO appointments can achieve. Take FluidOne's recent acquisition spree – they've completed nine acquisitions in recent years. Each acquisition requires careful financial due diligence, integration planning, and post-merger optimization.
With Dickie's track record in "buy and build strategies," FluidOne is positioning itself for an aggressive expansion phase. The company recently acquired Orca IT Ltd, a UK-based Managed Services Provider, and this is just the beginning.
Think about it: they're aiming to nearly triple their revenue in five years while maintaining their high-quality service standards. That's not just ambitious; it's the kind of challenge that requires someone who's been there, done that, and has the battle scars to prove it.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Appointment Matters to You
Even if you're not in the IT or finance industry, Dickie's appointment tells us something important about the current business climate. Companies are prioritizing leaders who can navigate uncertainty, drive growth, and maintain culture simultaneously.
FluidOne's transformation from a traditional telecom company to a cybersecurity-focused managed service provider mirrors what's happening across industries. The future belongs to companies that can reinvent themselves while scaling rapidly.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Let's get specific about what Dickie is walking into:
- Revenue target: £ million by (165% growth from current £ million)
- Current customer base: 2, businesses
- Industry NPS: (industry-leading score)
- Recurring revenue stability: Over 70% of total revenue
- Service evolution: 50%+ revenue now from IT and cybersecurity services
These aren't just numbers – they're the foundation for a growth story that could reshape the UK's managed services landscape.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
The appointment has generated significant buzz across industry publications. From Comms Dealer to IT Europa, the consensus is clear: this is a strategic hire that signals serious growth intentions.
One particularly insightful observation comes from the fact that Dickie replaces Roy Hastings, who left in September 2024. The relatively quick replacement suggests FluidOne had a clear succession plan and knew exactly what they were looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's Graham Dickie's educational background?
A: Graham graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh with a BA (Hons) in Accountancy and Finance and holds accountancy qualifications in both the UK and Canada.
Q: Is Graham Dickie the same person as the New York Times photographer?
A: No, there are two different Graham Dickies. The photographer is currently a Photo Fellow at The New York Times, while the CFO has over years of financial leadership experience.
Q: What companies has Graham Dickie worked for as CFO?
A: His CFO experience includes Wood Group, TWMA, QM Environmental, Dominion Colour Corporation, and Flying Colours Corp, among others.
Q: What makes FluidOne an attractive opportunity?
A: FluidOne has quadrupled in size over six years, maintains industry-leading customer satisfaction scores, and has ambitious growth plans to reach £ million revenue by 2030.
Q: When did Graham Dickie officially start at FluidOne?
A: He officially started as CFO on January 6, 2025.
The Road Ahead
As Dickie settles into his new role, he joins CEO Russell Horton and CIO Chris Rogers on FluidOne's group board. This isn't just about financial oversight – it's about strategic leadership in an increasingly competitive market.
The managed services sector is experiencing unprecedented demand, particularly in cybersecurity. Companies are realizing that outsourcing their IT and security needs isn't just cost-effective; it's essential for survival in an increasingly digital world.
FluidOne's positioning at the intersection of IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions puts them at the center of this transformation. With Dickie's financial expertise guiding their expansion strategy, they're well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market.
A Personal Reflection
What strikes me most about Graham Dickie's appointment is the timing. In an era where many companies are playing it safe, FluidOne is doubling down on growth. They're betting that the right leadership, combined with market opportunity, can drive extraordinary results.
Dickie's diverse industry experience – from engineering consulting to aviation (Flying Colours Corp is a Flexjet company) – gives him a unique perspective on operational challenges across sectors. This isn't just about understanding numbers; it's about understanding businesses.
His transition from Canada back to the UK after a decade abroad also speaks to the attractiveness of the British tech sector. International talent is flowing into UK companies, bringing global best practices and fresh perspectives.
The Bottom Line
Graham Dickie's appointment as FluidOne's CFO represents more than just a personnel change – it's a strategic positioning for the next phase of growth in the UK's managed services sector. With his proven track record in scaling businesses, expertise in private equity environments, and deep understanding of complex financial operations, he's uniquely positioned to help FluidOne achieve their ambitious goals.
For industry watchers, this appointment signals that the managed services consolidation isn't slowing down – it's accelerating. Companies with the right leadership, strategic vision, and financial backing are positioning themselves to dominate an increasingly fragmented market.
As we watch FluidOne's journey unfold over the next five years, one thing is certain: with Graham Dickie at the financial helm, they're not just planning to participate in the market's growth – they're planning to lead it.
Here's a question to ponder: In an era where technology changes rapidly but business fundamentals remain constant, which matters more for long-term success – having the latest tech stack or having leaders who truly understand how to scale businesses while maintaining culture and customer satisfaction?
