LONDON – November 04, 2026 -- Acuity Analytics has appointed Jon O'Donnell as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, as the Permira-backed financial services specialist expands its AI, data and digital capabilities through acquisitions and organic investment.
Rob King moves to chairman as Gore-Randall retires after seven years
O'Donnell, previously Chief Operating Officer, succeeds Rob King, who becomes Chairman at the end of the year. King replaces Philip Gore-Randall, who retires on 31 December after seven years in the role. The company says the changes are part of its succession planning and have the full support of the Board and Permira.
King led Acuity Analytics through its 2019 separation from Moody's and its subsequent expansion. As chairman, he will lead the board, support O'Donnell and the executive team, and stay involved in selected investor and client relationships.
O'Donnell brings more than 20 years of IBM consulting leadership
O'Donnell joined Acuity Analytics as COO in 2024 after more than 20 years at IBM. There he led Business and Technology Consulting divisions across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with up to 15,000 people and $3 billion in annual revenue. He was also a member of IBM Consulting's global leadership team.
At Acuity Analytics, he worked with the executive team on strategy, technology and AI innovation, and the rapid growth of the AI, Data and Digital Services business.
Three acquisitions since 2024 extend data and AI capabilities
Acuity Analytics bought US data consultancy Continuus in October 2026, adding specialists in data strategy, governance and data platforms. That followed the 2025 acquisition of data and AI specialist Ascent and the 2024 purchase of PPA Group, a technology-led managed services provider to the Lending industry.
The company is broadening its insights and analytics business to help clients redesign how they operate, combining financial services expertise with AI, data and digital transformation. Permira-advised funds acquired a majority stake in January 2023, with Equistone remaining invested as a minority shareholder.
O'Donnell targets workflow redesign for financial services clients
O'Donnell said clients need partners who "understand their workflows" and can turn technology investment into sustainable advantage. His stated priority is helping clients redesign workflows and optimise operations through the best combination of AI and talent.
King said the company has invested significantly in AI, digital and data, and called O'Donnell the right person to lead the next stage of growth.