The Board and Management Team
The Board
Chris Brooks, Managing Director
I always think it makes me sound old when I say it, but I have over 20 years’ experience in the software and services sector. I joined Symatrix in 2008 and have held various sales and operational positions including Head of Managed Services and Sales Director; I took over as Managing Director in 2018.
Prior to Symatrix I’ve managed a sales team at Snowdrop Systems, led an award winning team of customer support sales executives at Hewlett Packard and was part of the Cap Gemini team responsible for the smooth transition of services during the British Steel IT outsourcing project.
At home I’m kept busy by two great kids and a very supportive wife who also runs her own business. I love participating in sport and whenever possible I’ll be out training for my next triathlon, paddle boarding in Anglesey, kickboxing with my daughter or throwing a rugby ball with my son. I’m also an avid reader, covering an eclectic mix from marginal gains in sport and how that can relate to the business world, through world travel to history and science.
Paul Gillott, Chairman
I founded Symatrix in 2000 with the specific objective of helping businesses to get the best from their Oracle HCM investments. Over the past two decades I am proud to have built a highly skilled team at Symatrix which now truly partners with its customers unlocking the endless and exciting possibilities of Oracle HCM and ERP.
I have over 40 years experience in the IT industry during which I’ve helped develop many successful businesses including being part of the management team that brought PC World to market. I am also lucky to have gained an MBA from Kingston Business School.
Outside of the office I am also keen to push the boundaries, having climbed Kilimanjaro, trekked the snow-capped Himalayas in Bhutan, dived with Great White sharks in South Africa and walked over red hot coals in my bare feet! I also hold a private pilot’s licence.
Gareth Rossington, Finance Director
I love numbers! I joined Symatrix as Head of Finance in 2018 and was delighted to become Company Secretary of Symatrix in 2019. In 2020 I was promoted to Finance Director, becoming part of the Board. I hold a BA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hull and in 2013 I became CIMA qualified and an Associate of CIMA.
I started my career with at TRAD Hire & Sales Ltd in 2003 as a one week temp! In 2006 I was made the Company Management Accountant and headed up the relocation of the Finance Department from Maidenhead to Stockport. In 2010 I was made Financial Controller of both TRAD Hire & Sales Ltd and TRAD Safety Systems Ltd and joined Symatrix in 2018 as Head of Finance.
Outside of work I love spending time with my family especially holidays. I do a bit of running including competing in Hell Runners and I also try my hand at a bit of golf.
Charles Courquin, Sales Director
I bring 30 years’ experience in ERP and HCM technology application sales and business transformation to my new role. Before joining Symatrix I was an executive partner, and Oracle Practice Leader, at IBM Global Services. My key successes include securing the digital transformation programme of the NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR), which is believed to be among the largest HR/Payroll systems in the world, supporting 1.4 million employees. I also led the executive relationship for the delivery of the Contracting, Procurement & Finance Programme, among the largest business change programmes across the Ministry of Defence (MoD). At IBM I was also a strategic advisor to a government Minister in Canada to develop a response to a government wide payroll project rollout.
On a personal level, I’m a keen cyclist (who refuses to wear lycra) and my wife and I are Lake District enthusiasts who spend our holidays (and free weekends) walking the fells. We are also very proud parents of 3 daughters who are all now post-University and following their own professional careers.
The team at Symatrix has always had a great reputation for high quality delivery and customer service – it’s a team that makes a difference.
Andrew Manley, Non Executive Director
I have held senior executive and various non-executive roles with Shell, both in the UK and internationally as well as executive and chair roles with the Ministry of Defence. During my time I lead significant change including implementing Shell’s portfolio strategy, leading its worldwide SAP project and four years in the Ministry of Defence transformation programme.
As an MBA graduate of London Business School and more recently University College London, I am a qualified executive coach and now fulfil a variety of roles as NED, coach and adviser; I’m also proud to be a mentor for the LBS’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Southbank University. I’ve been on the board of Symatrix for over seven years and have supported the company’s growth and diversification into HRCubed and Managed Services.
Outside work I’m a keen hiker, occasional sailor and very regular follower of the performing arts.
The Management Team
Mandy Chapman, Consulting Director
I have worked in the HR industry for over 18 years and can honestly say that it’s people-related processes that make businesses tick. Get these wrong and your entire culture can be affected. I have seen how great processes can drive positive behaviours and real benefits for businesses. Having worked with some of the UK’s biggest and most interesting names in retail, public sector, higher education, central government and professional services over the years, helping to create happy and productive workforces is my ultimate goal.
I also love when customers come back for more and find my relationships with senior HR leaders have stood the test of time, which is the greatest complement.
I often speak at CIPD events, get a real kick out of facilitation and above all am a born problem-solver.
When I’m not solving people and process issues for my clients, I am mummy to my three gorgeous children and recent new addition - a fluffy Cavachon pup. I have also jumped out of a plane, am a Lean Six Sigma green belt, have my Padi diving qualification and read page-turners into the wee small hours.
Alan Parkinson, Managed Services Director
With over 15 years' experience across a number of industries including government, legal, regulators and the private sector I know what good service and delivery feels like. With my exposure to the Oracle products at multiple large IT system integrators, I know the difference this suite of tools makes to some of the biggest and best organisations in the World. I’ve had the pleasure to work in some fantastic teams over my career and my aim is to translate the productivity, innovation, team culture and client focus to my role here at Symatrix.
We’re here at Symatrix to be a reliable partner to your business in both technical support, deployment and strategy and most importantly to be in this for the long haul. Building relationships at all levels and letting customers feel like we are a true extension to their team, through thick and thin, is what really excites me.
Outside Symatrix I am either tending to the needs of my daughter or otherwise I like to get out walking or cycling and am a keen sports fan, enjoying watching a live game of rugby or football when I can.
Get in touch
Want to find out more? Get in touch and discover what Symatrix could do for your business. We’d love to chat.
