Vertex Data Science Limited has recruited Paul Sweeny, global managing director at IBM Financial Services, as its new chief executive. His appointment will be seen as a coup for the Liverpool-based company, which has spent almost a year searching for a replacement for the previous chief executive, Richard Graham. Mr. Sweeny will begin his new role tomorrow and is expected to lead an ambitious growth strategy in the company's core markets of the UK, India and North America. He spent 16 years at IBM, most of which was spent in the global services sector, where he managed several large outsourcing contracts in the financial services and utility sectors. As the incoming chief executive, Mr. Sweeny will be responsible for 9,000 staff across 75 locations in the UK, India and North America.

Vertex has appointed Keshav Gaur as CEO India and member of the Vertex main Management Board with a responsibility to lead the business in India. In addition to the international business, he will build on the opportunities of the emerging domestic market. Prior to joining Vertex, Keshav was Country Head for Fidelity Business Services India Private Limited with responsibility of the managing the captive centre of FIL, UK. He has also held senior roles at IBM-Daksh, GE Capital-India Bank Card, American Express Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank.

Vertex Data Sciences reported earnings results for the year 2008. For the period, the company reported turnover fell to £218.9 million from £235 million the previous year, while taxable losses touched £9 million, up from £30.6 million. However, the company recorded an operating profit before exceptional items of £7 million, attributed to improvements in operational performance and cost management.