Anthesis Appoints Derek Kemp as Chair of the Board and Russell Sheldon to Group COO

Anthesis is announcing two new strategic hires to support its ambitious plans for long-term growth. Derek Kemp has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board, and Russell Sheldon has joined as the Group’s Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board.  

Derek’s executive and management career spans four decades of experience in transforming services business with revenues ranging from $100m to more than $1bn in the technology and financial services sectors. In the last 15 years, Derek has held various C-suite roles, most recently as Chief Operating Transformation & Risk Officer at Vistra and EVP at Capgemini, where he was globally responsible for sales in Business Services (BPO). Throughout his tenures at Capgemini and Vistra, Derek’s leadership led to the successful integration of multiple business units, material sales growth, and a positive industry reputation.

Derek replaces David Nussbaum, Anthesis Chair since 2023, who has expertly guided Anthesis through important structural changes, supported Anthesis in a number of strategic mergers and acquisitions, and has helped to expand the business’ global breadth of expertise and its client base.

Russell Sheldon brings over 25 years of leadership expertise and a proven track record in shaping transformative strategies, championing operational excellence and introducing cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance client satisfaction to his new role. As Group COO, Russell will be responsible for operational performance and efficiency across the business, partnering with other members of the Executive Committee and the wider leadership team to deliver its strategic goals.

Most recently, Russell served as the Chief Operations & Technology Officer at TMF Group, a global leader in employee, financial, and legal administration services, where he led delivery globally, including day-to-day client service, along with the operational and digital transformation of all services. Prior to TMF Group, Russell held senior positions at NGA Human Resources, Axiom, Hewitt Associates and PwC.