Transition announced as Group cements its leadership position in secure connectivity and cloud, applications, and data and AI advisory services
Nasstar Group, a leading provider of secure connectivity and cloud, applications, and data and AI advisory services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Halbard as Chief Executive Officer, effective 21 April 2026. Paul Cosgrave is stepping down from his role as CEO and, following an orderly handover, will focus his attention on new senior advisory roles.
Chris brings significant experience, with a proven track record of delivering growth, strengthening operational performance, and elevating customer service. Most recently, he was CEO of Foundever, and has held senior roles at DXC Technology, BT, Accenture, and other leading technology and services businesses.
Andrew Taylor, Chairman, said:
We are delighted to welcome Chris to Nasstar and look forward to accelerating our transformation and growth strategy under his leadership.
Chris is a highly experienced CEO with a strong track record of delivering customer value, building high-performing teams, and harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to support our customers with secure connectivity and reliable next-generation IT systems and infrastructure, while ensuring they can maximise the benefits of AI.
I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Paul, who has guided the business through a period of transformation and strongly repositioned us from legacy technologies to high-growth AI-enabling platforms, across secure access, cloud and data.
Paul Cosgrave, outgoing CEO, said:
I am immensely proud of what we have built together at Nasstar. With an exceptional team, we have transformed the business and positioned it to advise our clients on taking advantage of next generation technologies.
I am pleased to be handing over the Group CEO role to Chris at this juncture, and I look forward to advising Arcmont on their investments in the space as I expand my portfolio advisory work.
Chris Halbard, incoming CEO, said:
I am excited to be joining Nasstar and look forward to working with the team to further strengthen our position as a leading provider of AI advisory and enabling services across secure connectivity and cloud, applications, and data.
The opportunity ahead is significant, and Nasstar is well placed to capitalise on it. Organisations are rapidly moving to operationalise AI, with real differentiation coming from how effectively they embed these technologies into their operating models. At the same time, the importance of AI governance and compliance is growing, public sector investment is accelerating, and the convergence of leading platforms — including from our key partners Fortinet, Microsoft, AWS, and Databricks — is creating a powerful ecosystem that aligns strongly with Nasstar’s capabilities. Within this context, the secure network business continues to represent a major opportunity for the Group and is an important strategic asset to serve our customers fully.
I am joining at an exciting time, with strong foundations already in place, and I look forward to working closely with our existing and new customers, and our team, to drive meaningful outcomes and long-term value through our integrated and differentiated offering.
Media Contacts
Charlie Harrison Nasstar@the193.com
Eleanor Purdon
