September 2020
Agilitas, the pan-European, mid-market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of former QA CEO, William Macpherson, as Chair of its portfolio company Learning Curve Group (“LCG”), one of the UK’s largest and most diverse training providers. The announcement follows Agilitas backing the buyout of LCG in March 2020, to support the business in its next stage of growth, as part of a transformation plan that seeks to grow the company across all areas of its provision. It will also see former Chair and ex-Dyson CEO Martin McCourt exit the business.
Macpherson, who scooped the ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Individual’ award at the 2019 Education Investor Awards, has a strong history in investment-backed private training and education providers. He led the Financial Training Company through its acquisition by Kaplan and then ran the organisation outside of the US, before joining QA in 2008. As CEO, William transformed QA from a small training provider to an organisation with annual revenues of almost £300mn and many thousands of students, before retiring in 2019.
Martin Calderbank, Managing Partner of Agilitas said: “We look forward to working with William to help the ongoing implementation of LCG’s transformation plan. William’s industry experience and his commitment to ensuring fundamental quality of learning is a strong fit, as LCG continues efforts to expand its services across the country and help even more learners achieve their goals.”
Liam Goddard, of Agilitas said: “I am delighted that William is joining the Learning Curve Group family as Chairman. The company has truly impressive growth plans and William’s experience will no doubt prove invaluable in supporting the team to achieve these. Learning Curve Group really believes in serving each and every one of its learners, and I am looking forward to it reaching even more people with its life-changing learning.”
Brenda McLeish, CEO of Learning Curve Group said: “I’d like to place on record my thanks to Martin McCourt for his help, guidance and support over the last few years. I’m delighted to welcome William as LCG’s new Chair – he brings fantastic experience to the board along with shared values. The senior team and I, and the rest of our ‘purple people’, are excited to be working with him going forward.”
William Macpherson, new Chairman of Learning Curve Group said: “I have long admired LCG from outside. They have a reputation for being a very high-quality institution but also one with a strong sense of mission and culture – vital ingredients for a growing business. I hope to be able to add some of my own experience whilst ensuring that the learner continues to be at the centre of everything we do.”
Media enquiries to: Greenbrook - Alex Jones, James Madsen and Catriona Crellin
+44 20 7952 2000 | agilitas@greenbrookpr.com