Folkerd takes on the newly-created role after two years with UKFast, working as a technical manager with the company. Previous to joining UKFast, he was a researcher at Brunel University working with the National Police Improvement Agency, studying the development of complex IT solutions on a national scale, whilst completing a PhD in computer science.
As director of enterprise technology, Folkerd will be responsible for the maintenance and management of non-networks shared infrastructure, leading the technical support team for enterprise customers and ensuring the quality of support, as well as developing new products.
He is an integral part of the infrastructure R&D team, responsible for the firm’s key product launches including eCloud – the elastic cloud product launched this month to rival American giants Amazon and Rackspace. eCloud represents a £12 million investment in Manchester and will be a key driver in UKFast reaching its £25 million turnover target in 2013.
Folkerd said: “Concentrating solely on our enterprise client base allows me to work on some of the world’s busiest websites and most complex hosting solutions. Developing new technologies and products, such as our just launched eCloud, is hugely exciting and a responsibility which I’m honoured to take on.”
UKFast CEO, Lawrence Jones, said: “Our success at UKFast depends on our ability to grow and develop faster than anyone else. With Chris at the helm of our enterprise technologies, I’m 100% certain we will stay ahead of the curve. Our enterprise customers are among the top brand names in the UK and beyond, and rightly demand world-class technical support and development.
“Chris and his team have built some of the most complicated, flexible and robust hosting solutions available on the market, which is why Enterprise is now a separate division of the UKFast business – to allow for targeted, quality support where it is needed.
“This appointment comes at a crucial time for UKFast as we prepare to launch our latest innovation. eCloud will revolutionise our cloud offering and renew our drive to create fresh, new technologies for all of our clients.”