Location: Toronto, Canada

Gerald (Ged) Parton is a performance oriented executive coach, non-executive director, and accomplished entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in leading global software and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) organizations. Ged’s career showcases a proven track record of creating and delivering strategic visions, driving revenue growth, managing complex P&L responsibilities, and executing successful mergers and acquisitions (M&A). 

His expertise in business strategy, international expansion, post deal integrations and investor relations has solidified his reputation as a transformative leader and advisor capable of navigating high-stakes environments and delivering exceptional business outcomes. He has led companies and Divisions ranging in size from $20M to $bn. 

Ged founded Maru Group in 2016, a PE backed, Toronto and London-based software and services business specializing in customer experience and insights. Maru Group achieved a turnover of $65 million, successfully transitioning to a subscription revenue model and enhancing profitability through operational efficiencies. The Maru ecosystem involved significant AI and machine learning capabilities. His adeptness in aligning board and management teams around a cohesive vision culminated in the successful sale of Maru to the Stagwell Group in 2022 and integration in 2023.

Prior to Maru Group, Ged held several key leadership positions, including CEO of Global Client Relationships and Service Experience at Ipsos Group. At Ipsos, Ged managed a P&L of $850 million and played a crucial role in the successful integration of Synovate, ensuring a smooth transition for 6,000 Synovate staff members. His tenure at Synovate as CEO of Global Clients, Practices & Capabilities scaled the company, and saw him exceed growth and profit targets through strategic acquisitions, offshoring strategies, and product innovations, ultimately leading to the company’s $600 million sale to Ipsos.

Ged’s earlier career includes multiple Managing Director roles at SME’s in the USA and UK, where he executed a successful turnarounds, increased profitability, drove revenue growth, stabilize customer retention, and led high-performing teams. As a co-founder of Omedian, Ged demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit, shaping a digital private network startup. 

Ged holds a Master of Arts in Modern History from Oxford University. He has been recognized for his contributions to the industry, including his election to the IPA Council and chairing the Global ESOMAR Congress. His dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in his various business school programs and accreditation as an Executive Coach. 

Residing in Toronto, Canada, Ged is committed to empowering organizations and leaders to achieve sustainable success through strategic guidance, effective leadership, and continuous improvement.

Character: Ged Parton embodies integrity and resilience, consistently demonstrating leadership through high-stakes challenges and turnaround situations.

Knowledge: With a deep understanding of software and TMT sectors, Ged leverages his extensive experience from billion-dollar corporations to SMEs to drive strategic growth and operational excellence.

Strategic: Ged excels in creating and executing robust business strategies, from vision setting to successful mergers and acquisitions, fostering sustainable growth and profitability.

Communication: Known for fostering open dialogue and engagement, Ged adeptly aligns diverse stakeholders and teams, ensuring clarity and unity around strategic objectives.