Issue 3 2021

12 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 3 2021 , Nov20123 Tech for Today When it comes to the use of technology, businesses have been subjected tomyriad examples of buzzwords that have lost all meaning. For the teamat REPL Group, the aim isn’t to throw catchphrases around, but to find ways of making a real difference to your business. We take a closer look at how this organisation has achieved such success under the leadership of Cerys Johnson. The digital workplace brings with it the potential for numerous world beating solutions, but many businesses simply don’t have the resources to find the perfect solution. That’s where REPL excels, drawing on years of experience in the technology sector to provide a solution that gets results for businesses. Cerys took on the role of CEO in 2017, after six years working for the company firstly as Chief Financial Officer and later as Chief Operating Officer. Her in-depth knowledge of how the firm works has given her an unpreceded insight into how to guide the path of the company’s growth globally. Her tenure as CEO thus far has seen REPL double in size, with reported increased in revenue of 40% year over year. This success is not a surprise to those who know her history. With over twenty-five years of experience in strategic and digital transformation roles, she knows how to ensure that companies make the most of what they have. With her unique perspective driving the strategy and execution that spans all the aspects of REPL’s business model, there has been a chance to have an impact over product development, IT, marketing, and sales. These decisions have been key to the company’s continued success. When REPL opens its doors in 2007, the aim was to enhance the capacity of businesses of all sorts. No one deserved to be left before in the technological age, and this demanded an innovative approach that could scale easily as well as adapt effectively to suit the needs of different markets and industries. With a specialist team, able to offer workforce technology, supply chain, point of sale and in-store digital solutions, REPL soon became known as a trusted name that has delivered the goods time and time again. This applies to hundreds of companies around the world, in retail, supply chains, manufacturing and hospitality to name but a few. During Cerys’ time as CEO, the aim has been to maintain this impressive reputation while serving an even greater array of customers. Of course, business is not just about growth, and Cerys has achieved her success through working closely with people. She knows how to inspire them, ensuring that they are in the best position to achieve their best possible work. While some in management roles see people as either “customers”, “partners” or “employees”, she sees them as people who are part of the business ecosystem. Each aspect must be considered individually, with their own story, to secure success. Every person who is part of the ecosystem that makes up REPL has their own story. This story is made up of unique dreams, hopes and fears. When Cerys leads, she leads in full knowledge of the people she is with, and a determination to serve them as best as she possibly can. It’s this approach that she brings to the retail and technology sectors. Many are beginning to offer leading solutions, but few do so with the focus on people that has been mustered by REPL. By rejecting the norms of the industry, and providing a practical approach, the team have been able to achieve their astonishing levels of success. As a result of this achievement in the technology sector, Cerys has quickly become a beacon for women in the industry. During her time at REPL, she has championed an approach of diversity and equality, launching a ‘Women in REPL’ initiative and promoting an environment that challenges unconscious bias. This tireless and valuable work has been recognised in various forms, most notably within Forbes, where she has featured and been able to discuss the value of diversity in the workplace and how she has helped transform REPL’s culture with a larger audience. Her expertise as a businesswoman has garnered a great deal of attention, with invitations to appear on Channel 4 News, discussing the discussing the impacts of Brexit on retail and business, and frequently comments on topical issues, such as providing insight into B&M’s success for This Is Money earlier this year. When it comes to the technology sector, it’s easy to get lost in the hardware that goes into making a success. What is clear from Cerys Johnson’s exceptional career is that soft skills are far from out of fashion. Her ability to communicate clearly, to work with others and to collaborate on future success has proven to be key to her success. We celebrate Cerys’ work, and look forward to seeing what impressive achievements she will gain in the future. Company: REPL Group Contact: Kristina Flickinger Website: www.replgroup.com