Arq Group enterprise and SMB leaders depart

The heads of Arq Group’s enterprise and SMB divisions have both departed.

Managing director for enterprise Peter Wright has left after eight years with the company. He joined the company in 2011 when it was still known as Melbourne IT as executive general manager of enterprise services, growing the division from a headcount of 50 staff to 400.

Arq offered no explanation for Wright's departure, but the ASX announcement (PDF) revealing the move featured managing director Martin Mercer declaring himself "deeply appreciative of the significant contribution Peter made to the strategy and growth of the enterprise division and the leadership he has displayed".

Managing director for SMB Emma Hunt has also left, having "decided to pursue other opportunities" when she retruns from her current parental leave. Mercer highlighted Hunt’s role during the acquisition of WME as a standout. “The business has really benefited from Emma’s vision and drive over the past two and a half years,” he added.

Arq also appointed former technology officer and acting managing director for SMB Brett Fenton to the new role of executive director, mass and middle market.

He joined Arq when Netregistry was acquired in 2014 and previously held the roles of chief customer officer and chief operating officer for Netregistry.

“Brett is a seasoned executive with an ideal mix of skills and experience for this new role. I wish him all the best in his new position and I’m confident that we are in good hands,” Mercer said.

Mercer added that the leadership shuffle would be a spring board for Arq’s return to growth, as the company looks to turn around its recent slump.

Arq needs a bounce. The company revealed two weeks ago that its enterprise business had fallen short of expectations in the first half of FY19 with forecast EBITDA between $12 million and $14.5 million due to “execution issues” in Melbourne and delays from new contracts. The company said these were temporary challenges though, and that revenue from delayed contracts will soon materialise.