Leadership team

Stuart Deignan

Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Deignan is a global business leader with more than 25 years’ experience driving growth and transformation in technology and IT services. Appointed CEO of Getronics in 2024, he is steering the company into a new era of innovation and accelerated growth, building on its strong heritage as a trusted digital transformation partner.

He has scaled businesses across the US, LATAM, Europe, and Asia – boosting revenue, expanding market share, and leading high-performing teams through complex change. Known for combining strategic vision with deep operational expertise, Stuart consistently delivers sustainable results in competitive markets.

A client-first and people-first leader, he builds enduring partnerships on trust, collaboration, and delivery while empowering teams to innovate and execute with precision.

Stuart holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast.

Santiago Piacenza

Chief Operating Officer

Santiago Piacenza is a technology and operations leader with more than 20 years in the IT industry. As COO of Getronics, he oversees global delivery and operations, driving efficiency, scalability, and consistent value for customers worldwide.

Before joining Getronics, Santiago led delivery and operations at Globant UK, where he scaled services and achieved high-performance outcomes for enterprise clients across industries. His expertise spans digital transformation, service excellence, and building high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Based in London, Santiago is passionate about fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement – ensuring Getronics stays agile and client-focused in an evolving digital landscape.

Mike Field

Chief Financial Officer

Mike Field has been Chief Financial Officer of Getronics since 2020, bringing more than two decades of financial leadership across Africa, the UK, India, and Australia. Before joining Getronics, he was CFO of a leading Corporate and Investment Bank, where he helped steer growth and performance across global markets.

Known for his pragmatic and people-focused approach, Mike blends deep financial expertise with operational and technological insight. He has a strong track record of unlocking business performance – translating complex financial strategies into clear, actionable outcomes that fuel sustainable growth.

Mike is a Chartered Accountant and holds a postgraduate diploma in advanced mathematical modelling of derivatives. He is passionate about building resilient teams and empowering people to deliver their best work.

Harsha Gowda

Chief Technology Officer

Harsha Gowda has been Chief Technology Officer of Getronics since 2018, bringing more than 25 years of experience designing and delivering technology transformation at scale. He has held senior roles with Verizon, British Telecom, and Colt Technologies, working across the US, UK, Far East, and India.

With a reputation for pairing deep technical expertise with bold thinking, Harsha drives Getronics’ innovation agenda – shaping digital solutions that keep clients ahead in a fast-changing world. He is passionate about turning complex technology into simple, reliable experiences that empower organisations to grow with confidence.

Harsha holds an MSc in Global Program Management from Oxford University and an MBA from Xavier University, Cincinnati.

Elisabete Mleczak

Chief Commercial Officer

Elisabete Mleczak joined Getronics in 2019 to lead the Latin America region and was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in 2024. She brings extensive experience from multinational companies including EDS, HP, and BT.

A results-driven leader, Elisabete champions Getronics’ global commercial strategy – delivering innovative solutions that create real business value while ensuring exceptional client experiences. She is passionate about building strong partnerships and empowering teams to drive growth and impact across markets.

Elisabete holds a Telecom Engineering degree and an MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas, Brazil.

Laurie Mcilwee

Chairman / Non-Executive Director

Laurie McIlwee is an experienced executive and non-executive director with a strong track record in growing and restructuring both listed and private businesses. He spent over a decade at Tesco PLC, serving as CFO from 2009 to 2013, where he helped guide substantial growth and overseas expansion.

Since 2014, Laurie has advised private equity firms and consulted for organisations including the Boston Consulting Group, alongside serving as a non-executive director across retail, logistics, and hospitality sectors. Known for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership, he helps shape Getronics’ governance and long-term growth.

Laurie is an FCMA and an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Coventry University.

Sharon Lowrie

Non-Executive Director

Sharon Lowrie is a seasoned technology and business leader with extensive experience guiding companies through growth, transformation, and global expansion. She currently works in private equity as an Industry Advisor and portfolio CIO and sits on the board of Addison Lee.

Sharon began her career at Accenture before founding PrePay Technologies, a successful fintech business. She has held senior technology roles including Group CIO Digital Platforms at TUI and Global Digital Delivery Director at Barclays Wealth. Known for her strategic insight and collaborative approach, Sharon helps organisations navigate complex business and technology change.

She holds a degree in Computer Science and Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Strathclyde.

Walter Ruffinoni

Non-Executive Director

Walter Ruffinoni brings extensive experience in the global IT services sector, having spent 12 years leading NTT DATA, where he transformed the company through clear strategy, transparent communication, and strong people engagement. He is also the author of Italia 5.0, a book exploring the future integration of public and private sectors with social, environmental, and economic impact at the heart of technological innovation.

Known for his strategic thinking and leadership, Walter guides Getronics’ Board through periods of growth and transformation, helping the company shape its long-term vision while delivering value to clients and stakeholders.

Walter holds an MBA in Economics from SDA Bocconi, Milan.

Regional Managers

Gerald Eid

Managing Director, DACH

Gerald Eid has been Managing Director for Germany at Getronics since 2014 and now leads the DACH region. He began his career at Daimler in 1988 before moving to Debis Systemhaus in 1996, where he held senior roles across Sales, Service Management, and Operations. Prior to joining Getronics, Gerald was Director at T-Systems IDS GmbH.

Known for his operational expertise and collaborative leadership style, Gerald drives growth and delivers client-focused solutions across the DACH region, helping teams succeed while strengthening Getronics’ market presence.

Mukul Jain

Managing Director, APAC

Mukul Jain has been Managing Director for APAC at Getronics since 2010. He began his career as an entrepreneur before joining KPN and later Getronics, bringing a strong focus on change, innovation, and operational excellence.

Known for creating growth through commercial strategies, instituting robust operational controls, and maximising business efficiency, Mukul is passionate about empowering teams to deliver results and drive impact across the APAC region.

Luca Pavan

Managing Director, WCE

Luca Pavan has over 20 years of experience in IT transformation across the USA, Latin America, and Europe. He began his career in venture capital, leading the development and turnaround of several IT investees, before taking senior roles in global IT groups. At Getronics, Luca has led Service Operations in Europe and Datacenter Operations.

Based in Brussels, Luca combines operational expertise with a strategic mindset, driving growth and efficiency while empowering teams to deliver exceptional client-focused outcomes. He holds a master’s degree in economics and was a teaching assistant at the University of Padua’s Department of Business Management between 2004 and 2006.

Paola Sapino

Managing Director, LATAM

Paola Sapino has led Getronics’ Latin America operations since 2010, overseeing teams across QA Testing, Service Desk, and, since 2021, regional Operations. A systems engineer by training, she began her career in Argentina’s banking sector, gaining over a decade of experience in financial institutions.

Based in Buenos Aires, Paola is passionate about customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and attracting top talent. She drives continuous improvement and innovative solutions to tackle evolving market challenges, empowering her teams to deliver outstanding results across the region.

Nicolás Chercasky

Managing Director, Iberia

Nicolás Chercasky has over 20 years of experience in IT, combining a strong foundation in software development with a track record of leading multi-client engagements and driving growth in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Before joining Getronics, he held senior roles at Globant, leading digital transformation initiatives across industries.

Based in Madrid, Nicolás brings a global perspective shaped by experience in Europe, LATAM, the US, and Africa. He is passionate about building long-lasting client relationships and leading high-performance teams to deliver impactful, technology-driven outcomes across one of Getronics’ most strategic regions.

Nicolás holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of St Andrew’s in Buenos Aires.

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