Hugh Furness

Non-Executive director

Talent

Monmore GreenMember since August 18, 2026

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About

Commercial growth and channel strategy executive with more than 20 years of international leadership experience delivering sustainable revenue growth, organisational transformation and strategic market expansion across technology, SaaS, cybersecurity, manufacturing and franchise businesses. A trusted adviser to Boards, CEOs and executive leadership teams, recognised for developing high-performing commercial organisations, scaling partner ecosystems and guiding businesses through periods of growth, turnaround and strategic change. Brings an exceptional track record of creating and executing channel strategies, building international reseller and MSP networks, leading SaaS business transformation and developing go-to-market models that accelerate commercial performance.

Has successfully transformed loss-making organisations into profitable businesses, grown revenues from early-stage scale to international operations, and supported organisations through acquisition, expansion and operational restructuring. Combining commercial insight with sound strategic judgement, offers boards an independent perspective on growth strategy, market positioning, executive leadership, customer acquisition, organisational effectiveness and long-term value creation. An engaging stakeholder with global experience across EMEA, North America and Australia, recognised for mentoring senior leadership teams, influencing at Board level and translating ambitious strategies into measurable commercial outcomes.

Experience

Sales & Fractional Sales Director - Post & Packing Franchising

(2022-01)

Leading the commercial growth strategy for a national franchise organisation, supporting expansion through franchise development, market penetration and commercial performance improvement. Working closely with senior leadership to strengthen business performance, optimise sales operations and develop scalable growth initiatives across the franchise network.

Contributed to strategic growth initiatives that strengthened commercial performance, profitability and long-term business sustainability.
Developed a structured onboarding and go-to-market framework to improve franchise acquisition, consistency and operational effectiveness.
Established performance metrics and commercial disciplines that enhanced visibility of sales performance and supported executive decision-making.
Built collaborative relationships across franchisees and internal leadership teams to align commercial priorities with wider organisational objectives.

Head of Channel Strategy - CyberSmart

(2019-01 - 2022-12)

Appointed to establish and lead the organisation's channel strategy during a period of rapid commercial growth, developing scalable partner ecosystems and supporting the transition towards a SaaS business model within the cybersecurity sector.

Delivered transformational commercial outcomes by expanding recurring revenue and strengthening the organisation's strategic market position.
Led the successful transition towards a SaaS operating model, supporting long-term revenue resilience and customer retention.
Established strategic partnerships and distribution channels that significantly expanded market reach and accelerated growth.
Built and developed a high-performing commercial function capable of supporting sustained business expansion and evolving customer requirements.

Managing Director (Interim) - Network Group

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

Engaged to stabilise and reposition a member-based organisation through commercial restructuring, operational improvement and strategic leadership, restoring financial performance while strengthening organisational capability.

Successfully returned the organisation to profitability within six months through focused commercial and operational improvements.
Strengthened organisational resilience by redesigning membership propositions and expanding strategic partnerships.
Led business relocation while maintaining operational continuity and stakeholder confidence.
Enhanced long-term member value through improved engagement, collaboration and professional development initiatives.

Chief Operating Officer / European Sales Director - Wasp Barcode Technologies (Datalogic Group)

(2001-01 - 2018-12)

Held executive responsibility for commercial growth, operational leadership and European expansion, supporting the business through significant periods of scale, acquisition and strategic evolution. Worked closely with executive leadership on business strategy, international growth and organisational development across multiple markets.