Optimation drops Holmes, appoints MD

By Hamish Barwick | Thursday, September 17 2009

Brothers Martin and Neil Butler to lead company.

Optimation has dissolved the chief executive officer role held by Rhoda Holmes in order to reduce costs and make way for a new managing director, Martin Butler.

Butler held a number of roles at Telecom but had been working as an ICT consultant since last year.
He starts at the company in Auckland on Thursday, October 1 and is the brother of executive chairman and owner Neil Butler. Martin Butler already sits on the board of Optimation.

A statement said the change means Rhoda Holmes’ role as CEO is no longer required.
“Since joining the company nearly a year ago, Rhoda has brought fresh insights, strong customer relationships, and a passion and enthusiasm for the business. The board, management and staff are grateful for the contributions she has made to the business.”

Holmes joined Optimation in September last year. She was previously general manager of Gen-i Australia.

Holmes finished at the company yesterday and says she is "not sure" what her next move will be. She plans to stay in the IT industry.
"I've been in the industry for 25 years. I'm very sad to have left Optimation as it is a great company."

In the meantime, Holmes will continue training for an upcoming triathlon. She could not comment on why the CEO role was dissolved.

Neil Butler says the role was discontinued to improve the cost structure of Optimation. Holmes' executive assistant was also made redundant.

"At this stage I don't envision re-establishing the CEO role. The company has to get through the current economic downturn."

According to Neil Butler, the reduction in overheads and a number of customer wins means the company is financially well-positioned for the future.

He says Holmes made a "significant contribution" to Optimation and wished her well for the future.