Member Article

Former Sage leader joins Sunderland tech startup looking to disrupt recruitment industry

Mike Rohan, former head of business development for Sage UK, has left the FTSE 100 business to join Sunderland tech startup Technically Compatible as the firm’s new sales director.

Based in the Sunderland Software Centre, the business is an online IT skills testing tool designed to streamline the recruitment of IT, web and software professionals.

Currently hiring, the company says its platform significantly reduces recruitment screening time and promotes faster, better hiring decisions when hiring top tech talent.

Leaving global technology giant Sage, Rohan says he will continue to work with high profile industry names as the company counts the likes of Tombola, retail giant Next and billion-dollar consultancy firm Sapient amongst its clients.

Maurice Whittle, chairman of the board at Technically Compatible, said, “We’re absolutely delighted with this appointment.

“It’s a clear message that Technically Compatible is a strong start up and is making successful steps in continuing its upward trajectory in the tech recruitment space. Mike’s leadership in the sales team will only serve to improve and focus the company’s efforts.”

Rohan himself is excited about the move and is already making inroads, bringing on Admiral Group and Sage, in the last month.

He explained: “This opportunity was too good to miss. Technically Compatible has a fantastic product which truly answers the issues experienced by both in-house and agency-based tech recruiters.

“I’m able to accumulate all my commercial knowledge into driving forward this exciting start up. The fact that the product is a commercial no-brainer, only makes my job easier.”

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Technically Compatible is a fantastic example of an innovative technology business that has moved into Sunderland Software Centre, grown at pace, and is already gearing up for further expansion.

“It’s tremendous to see them making such a significant appointment, and we of course wish them every success for their next stage of development.”