Executive Hirings: DCA, ID Group, CoreLink, 8 Solutions

Here's a look at some of this week's executive changes in the data center industry:

Willner to Chair Data Center Alliance: Guy Willner, Founder & CEO of the International Data Centre Group (IDC-G), has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of governors of the Data Centre Alliance (DCA), an industry association comprising of leaders from across the industry. “Data Centre Alliance has a great helicopter view of the Data Centre industry, and out of this, has identified gaps in the current market that relate to collaboration in industry-led standards and training," said Willner. "I am delighted to be part of this initiative and beappointed as the new Chairman." Simon Campbell-Whyte, DCA Executive Director said Willner "brings a wealth of additional experience and expertise to the DCA’s initiative, which has been gained over many years including overseeing the operations of over 20 data centres across 15 countries including the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. The diversity of insight gained will be invaluable in our overall objectives in contributing to standards development, promoting innovation and driving educational connections and programmes."

Gray Becomes a Principal of ID Group: Integrated Design Group, an architectural, engineering and planning firm focused on data center design, announced today that Bradley Gray, LEED AP, has been named a company principal. Gray has been instrumental in growing key accounts and overseeing all business activities within the Dallas office. “Brad has helped to shape the direction of our firm, and perhaps most importantly to grow the Dallas office, in more ways than we could have asked,” said Tony Asfour, one of the firm’s founding principals. “Overseeing the operations of a new office is no small task. Brad has recruited a top-notch regional staff, enlivened the office with the Integrated Design Group spirit and expanded our presence in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. And he has done so without interrupting the excellent service he’s been giving his clients who, for years, have trusted him with their projects.” As the data center market expands, Gray continues to play a key role in driving Integrated Design Group’s business both nationally and abroad. He is currently overseeing the design effort for a number of Digital Realty Trust projects, including 900 Quality Way in Dallas, and other new projects for clients in Mexico and the Middle East.

CoreLink Makes Duggan VP of Sales: Data center hosting provider CoreLink Data Centers has announced the hiring of John Duggan as Vice President of Sales. Duggan brings nearly 25 years of executive level sales management expertise to the post, derived from progressively higher level positions in the managed and IT services, hardware, software and consulting arenas, most recently establishing and leading the midwest, Canadian, and indirect channel sales efforts of iRise, a California-based professional software and services firm.

Howarth is 8 Solutions' New Chairman: 8 Solutions, the UK’s leading data centre healthcare company specialising in the deep cleaning and decontamination of critical environments has announced the appointment of Alan Howarth to the position of Chairman. For the last 12 years Alan has successfully run a significant portfolio of Non executive director positions in a variety of sectors. He has been chairman of listed companies, AIM organisations and private businesses. His current portfolio includes CRF Health Inc, Cerillion Technologies Ltd and Chamberlin plc. He has extensive City experience in acquiring, fund raising, transforming and selling companies. He has also managed a number of flotations. "Joining the company at this crucial period is exciting and challenging," said Howarth. "8 Solutions is a key player in the specialist data centre deep cleaning and decontamination sector and currently works with the majority of the FTSE 100 companies in the UK, but the opportunities for growth are significant."