Dimension Data's Middle East and Africa CEO, Allan Cawood, who will leave the company at the end of the month, is set to invest in entrepreneurial enterprises, after first taking a break.
Cawood has been involved with Dimension Data since 1993, when he sold it a 35% stake in his company, Digital Networking Systems (DNS). His position will be filled by Internet Solutions MD Derek Wilcocks.
Speaking to ITWeb, Cawood says he will initially take a break before becoming involved in start-up companies, which could be outside of the IT sector. He intends to “become bored”, before moving into the next phase of his career.
Cawood joined DiData in 1998. When Dimension Data purchased the balance of DNS shares and merged the company and Dimension Data Networking into a single business unit in 1999 - the forerunner to Dimension Data Network Services - Cawood was appointed as the unit's MD. In October 2001, he was appointed CEO of Dimension Data SA.
Cawood says he does not want an eight-to-five job and does not want people reporting to him. He also wants to determine his own calendar, although he is proud of his time with DiData.
Cawood has investments in a sanitation company, as well as one that manufactures bricks. He says he will seek other investment opportunities, but IT will not be his only focus.
Eventually, says Cawood, he anticipates being joined by partners in an investment firm that will provide capital and mentorship to companies that need help to grow. He says he is keen to look at a good opportunity at any stage of its cycle. “I don't think I can sit and do nothing.”
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