Microsoft’s Rapid Circle strengthens leadership team with three senior hires

Rapid Circle, a leading Microsoft consultancy, announced the addition of three senior executives to its leadership team, signalling its continued commitment to expanding its footprint in the Australian and New Zealand (A/NZ) markets. The strategic hires include Rodney Hobbs as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Matthew McCahey as Azure Solution Director, and Tania Mushtaq as Head of Marketing and Relations for the Asia Pacific region.

Rodney Hobbs appointed as Chief Technology Officer

Rodney Hobbs, a seasoned technology leader with nearly three decades of experience, has been appointed as Rapid Circle’s new Chief Technology Officer. Hobbs, who joins the firm from Wipro, will be based in Melbourne and will play a critical role in driving the firm’s technological strategy and innovation.

Hobbs’ career is marked by a series of influential positions at some of the industry’s most recognized names, including ServiceNow, VMware, Fujitsu, and DXC Technology. Most recently, he served as Wipro’s CTO for Core Business Transformation, where he worked closely with Cassandra Ashworth, the newly appointed A/NZ CEO of Rapid Circle. This previous collaboration between Hobbs and Ashworth is expected to create a strong leadership synergy as they work together to propel Rapid Circle forward.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rodney as our CTO in A/NZ,” said Harold Punter, founder and global CEO of Rapid Circle, who operates from the company’s headquarters in Amsterdam. “His appointment is another example of how Rapid Circle is attracting and investing in top talent to strengthen our position in Australia and New Zealand.”

Punter emphasised that Hobbs’ extensive technical expertise is crucial for meeting the growing demand for Microsoft-based AI and cloud solutions. Rapid Circle has been rapidly expanding its service offerings through a series of strategic acquisitions, including Insync, Adopt & Embrace, vNEXT, and most recently, Perth-based Microsoft provider Seven Sigma. The firm’s focus on acquiring top-tier talent and innovative companies underscores its ambition to become a leader in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem in the region.

Cassandra Ashworth, who has been with Rapid Circle since last month as A/NZ CEO, also expressed her enthusiasm for Hobbs’ arrival. “I am really excited to have Rodney join our team,” Ashworth said. “His passion and drive will be critical in guiding this next phase of growth. His vast experience and thought leadership will significantly benefit our clients and greatly accelerate how we can help them to modernize today, to maximize tomorrow with the Microsoft platform.”

Matthew McCahey joins as Azure Solution Director

In another strategic move, Rapid Circle has appointed Matthew McCahey as Azure Solution Director, further bolstering its cloud capabilities. McCahey will be based in Perth and will focus on enhancing the company’s Azure offerings, helping clients leverage Microsoft’s cloud platform to drive digital transformation.

McCahey brings a wealth of experience in cloud engineering and solutions architecture, having previously served as Microsoft Cloud Director at Versent, a Telstra Purple acquisition. His career has spanned several key roles, including Cloud Engineering Director at Deloitte and IT roles at Egmont, CBRE, and Rolls Royce in the UK. McCahey’s journey in the Australian market began with Kloud Solutions in Melbourne, which was eventually acquired by Telstra, further solidifying his credentials in the cloud space. 

Rapid Circle’s decision to bring McCahey on board aligns with the company’s strategy to deepen its expertise in Microsoft Azure, particularly as demand for cloud services continues to soar across the A/NZ region. McCahey’s experience with large-scale cloud projects and his ability to drive innovation will be instrumental in expanding Rapid Circle’s cloud service offerings and supporting clients in their digital transformation journeys.

Tania Mushtaq takes helm as Head of Marketing and Relations

Rounding out the trio of senior hires is Tania Mushtaq, who has been appointed as Head of Marketing and Relations for the Asia Pacific region. Mushtaq brings a strong background in technology marketing, having held significant positions at Dell, Rimini Street, and most recently as Global Head of Marketing for AI and cybersecurity start-up Castlepoint Systems.

At Dell, Mushtaq served as the Marketing Head for Asia Pacific & Japan, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s marketing strategies across diverse markets. Her experience spans six years at Dell, where she honed her skills in driving brand awareness, customer engagement, and strategic marketing initiatives.

In her new role at Rapid Circle, Mushtaq will oversee the company’s regional marketing efforts, focusing on building and maintaining relationships with clients and partners across the Asia Pacific. Her appointment reflects Rapid Circle’s commitment to strengthening its brand presence and expanding its influence in key markets.

Mushtaq’s expertise in marketing and her ability to navigate complex market landscapes will be vital as Rapid Circle continues to grow its business and expand its service offerings. Her role will involve not only enhancing the company’s marketing strategies but also ensuring that Rapid Circle’s message resonates with its diverse and growing customer base.

Rapid Circle’s strategic vision for growth

The addition of Hobbs, McCahey, and Mushtaq to the leadership team is a clear indication of Rapid Circle’s strategic vision for growth in the A/NZ region. The firm’s focus on attracting top talent and leveraging their expertise to deliver innovative Microsoft-based solutions positions it well to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Harold Punter, reflecting on the company’s growth strategy, noted that these senior appointments are part of a broader effort to solidify Rapid Circle’s position as a leader in the Microsoft consultancy space. “Our goal is to provide our clients with unparalleled expertise and service, helping them navigate the complexities of digital transformation with confidence and agility. With leaders like Rodney, Matthew, and Tania on board, we are well-equipped to achieve that vision.”

As Rapid Circle continues to expand its capabilities and reach, these new hires will play a crucial role in driving the company’s success. The firm’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and market leadership remains at the forefront of its strategy, ensuring that it continues to deliver value to its clients and partners across the region.