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[UK Public Libraries]
[Koha]
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[FDI Colorado]
[Sirsi UK sales]
[Endeavor Stanford]
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[Shirley Adams]
[DS - AMLIB]
[Talis new MD]

November 2000

Talis appoints new MD

Talis has appointed a new MD - replacing Tony Hall who has been with the company since 1981.  Stephen Gray joins Talis with an IT business background in the medical and health sectors. He has a tough job to bring the Talis product range to a more competitive pitch as the battle against the likes of Endeavor, Ex Libris, Innovative and Sirsi is joined over the next few years. Many of the Talis customers will be expecting the levels of functionality that rival institutions and their systems can offer and this will mean some considerable development and product roll out.  We wish him well.

Talis Information Ltd, the leading supplier of computer systems to public and academic libraries in the UK and Ireland, has announced the appointment of Stephen Gray as Managing Director.  Stephen brings to the position a proven track record in IT systems for professional markets, notably the medical and health authority sectors, and in the development of high-technology businesses.

The challenge of joining a company that has recently experienced significant successes in the public and Higher Education sectors is one that Stephen is looking forward to, “It’s an exciting time to be joining Talis and to be leading them into the next stage of development”.  “Talis is at the forefront of developing internet services for libraries and their users.  We have a strong partnership with our customers, and this is something I want to build on.  This will mean working together on innovative systems to meet customers’ strategic objectives, and also to further enhance the well-reputed service we provide.”

Stephen replaces Tony Hall who is retiring after a successful 19 years with Talis. Tony has been involved in the industry since 1966, including a spell as Chairman of the Book Industry Commission from 1991 to 1997.  Commenting upon his successor, Tony said “As part of the recruitment panel for the appointment of a new MD for Talis, I am delighted with Stephen’s appointment to this role.”

Denis Heathcote, Chairman of the Board, reflected upon Tony’s achievements at Talis, and pointed towards Stephen as a natural leader poised to take Talis even further; “Tony has led the company with a calm determination, culminating in the recent transformation from BLCMP as a cooperative organisation to Talis as an innovative, private sector company ready to take on the challenges of the 21^st Century.” “He is now passing the baton to a first class person in Stephen Gray.  I’m confident Stephen will lead us to new levels of achievement.”

Ann Whittle, Marketing and Business Services Manager said that Stephen’s appointment further strengthened the position of Talis as market leader in the UK; “Stephen’s background in customer service, combined with an acute knowledge of product development and marketing processes means that Stephen is able to lead the company dynamically, drawing upon his expertise across a number of disciplines.”

Stephen joins Talis from AAH Meditel Ltd, where he held the position of Marketing, Sales and Customer Support Directors.  Whilst at Meditel, Stephen launched a series of specialist software systems for doctors and health professionals, including new internet based services.