Exact Appoints Paul Ramakers as its new Chief Executive Officer

Delft, November 2, 2020 - Exact Software has announced the appointment of Paul Ramakers as CEO; a leadership transition that has been carefully planned and prepared for.

Under Phill Robinson’s leadership, Exact transitioned to become the Benelux national champion software business it is today. During this time Exact secured its long-term independent future via the sale of the company to KKR in 2019 and strengthened its presence in the Benelux via the acquisition of Unit4 Bedrijfssoftware, the domestic business of Unit4, Belgian accounting software business, WinBooks, and several others strategic investments. For 2021, Exact is forecasting revenues that represent 100% growth since Phill’s arrival in 2017. The company is also on track to reach its medium-term objective of becoming a €500M revenue business.

Approximately 12 months ago Phill Robinson announced that he has Parkinson’s Disease, a chronic neurological condition but has continued to work as Exact CEO. Following further progression of his Parkinson’s symptoms in 2020, Phill has now decided that the time is right for him to step down. He will however remain involved as a non-executive director on the Exact board of directors.

Until now, Paul Ramakers has been COO at Exact, responsible for sales, support and product line functions. He has 25 years at the company, occupying several different positions over time. With his experience and leadership roles at Exact, Paul will continue to execute the strategy that he and Phill have been following for the last three years.

Phill Robinson, former CEO at Exact: "It has been a great journey and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our customers, partners and employees. I am sad to step down as CEO but am happy to know I am leaving the company in good hands. Paul is the most professional software industry executive I've had the privilege of working with. He has done a wonderful job and has helped me build a great business over the past 3 years. I am confident that he will continue to excel in his newly expanded role."

Paul Ramakers, CEO at Exact: "It’s been a privilege working with Phill. Under his leadership, we've been on a fantastic journey during which we have transformed the company’s strategy and delivered new product innovations to the market. However, it’s the positive impact that Phill has made to our culture through the introduction of several Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that stands out most. Examples include the introduction of Giving Back days and a Matching Funds program to allow employees to do more for their chosen charitable causes. I’m delighted that we can still count on his help and support in his new role as a non-executive director on the Exact board."

Jean-Pierre Saad, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Partner at KKR, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Phill for the great relationship we have built and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role on the board. What Phill has achieved in the last 3 years as CEO of Exact was truly remarkable, leading to Exact’s position today as the Benelux software champion and positioning the company for further growth and success. We are also very excited to appoint Paul, the right person to lead Exact in its next phase of growth. He brings a broad and deep experience of product, go-to-market, and customer success and has played a key role in building what Exact is today.”