Turning around high-potential, under-performing organizations

Lisa Beets from Openview Labs recently interviewed Thomas Charlton about what it takes to turn around an underperforming high-tech company.

Thomas Charlton is chairman and CEO of PHD Virtual Technologies. PHD Virtual provides award-winning backup software solutions in virtual IT environments. The company was founded in 2005 and has grown to 2,000 customers of all sizes using its products globally across all industry verticals.

Prior to PHD Virtual, Thomas was president and CEO of Shunra Software; CEO of VoiceGenie Technologies; CEO of Trailblazer Systems; and CEO of Tidal Software.

Shunra Software was funded in 2004, but revenues were flat and losses significant. Thomas assumed control in 2007 and, after nine record quarters of revenue growth, returned the company to profitability in 2009.

VoiceGenie Technologies had received venture funding as well. However, sharp losses ensued with little change in revenue. Under Thomas’ leadership, the company enjoyed a return to profitability and six quarters of record growth. VoiceGenie was acquired in 2006 by Alcatel.

Trailblazer Systems was a founder-run company that lacked the appropriate systems to support growth. Thomas hired new teams and doubled revenue over 12 months. Trailblazer was acquired in 2004 by NuBridges.

Tidal Software offered Thomas his first CEO opportunity. He joined the team as VP of sales and within two years approached the board with a plan to assume control over the financially struggling company. Thomas returned the company to profitability and continued strong growth. Tidal was acquired in 2009 by Cisco.

Thomas began his career at US Surgical where he advanced by seeking out opportunities to turn around under-performing divisions. At the time of his departure, he was responsible for a unit with revenues of $220M.

> Read THE INTERVIEW at Openview Labs