Touchstar CEO Mark Hardy to Step Down After 30 Years
Portfolio - People | Mar 18, 2025 | Business Cloud
Touchstar plc, a Manchester-based developer of data collection and mobile computing solutions, is set to undergo a significant leadership change. CEO Mark Hardy, who joined the company in 1992 and has been at the helm since 2005, will step down from his role on July 1, 2025. He will be succeeded by Lynden Jones, currently the managing director of Touchstar ATC, a subsidiary of the company. Jones has been with Touchstar for over 14 years and is credited with growing the revenue of Touchstar ATC by 29% in the past two years. Despite his departure, Hardy will remain a director and will be available for consultancy for an additional year. The company, with a market capitalization of £6.6 million, aims to enhance its revenue growth and profitability, focusing on expanding its fuel delivery business internationally and exploring new vertical markets for its technology solutions. Touchstar has also announced plans to return up to £1 million to shareholders via share buybacks and dividend payments. Ian Martin will continue in his role as chair during this transition.
Sectors
- Technology
- Logistics
- Telematics
Geography
- United Kingdom – Touchstar plc is based in Manchester, UK, and makes this region significant in its corporate activities.
Industry
- Technology – Touchstar plc operates in the technology sector, developing data collection and mobile computing solutions.
- Logistics – The company has subsidiaries that develop applications in warehouse and logistics, addressing key operational needs in this industry.
- Telematics – Touchstar provides solutions for telematics and tracking, highlighting its involvement in this sector.
Financials
- 6.6m – The market capitalization of Touchstar plc.
- 1m – The planned amount to be returned to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchstar plc | Target Company | Company | A UK-based developer of data collection and mobile computing solutions. |
| Mark Hardy | Outgoing CEO | Person | The current CEO of Touchstar plc, stepping down after a long career with the company. |
| Lynden Jones | Incoming CEO | Person | Currently the Managing Director of Touchstar ATC, succeeding Hardy as CEO. |
| Ian Martin | Chairman | Person | Chairman of Touchstar plc, overseeing the leadership transition. |
| Touchstar ATC | Subsidiary | Company | A subsidiary of Touchstar plc, involved in commercial applications and recently transitioned to a SaaS model. |