Kao Data appoints Pete Judson as Chief Operating Officer

Kao Data, the specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has appointed Pete Judson as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With more than 30 years of operational leadership experience across the complete spectrum of data centre life cycle services, Pete has established an outstanding reputation, and has garnered a strong track record for creating and leading large-scale teams to deliver the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence. He joins Kao Data at a major inflection point, as it accelerates the growth of its advanced data centre platform into next-tier markets across the UK and continental Europe.

Pete joins Kao Data from global data centre operator NTT, where he spent the last four and a half years aligning its EMEA-wide operational delivery organisations into a single, multi-functional, +350MW data centre unit. From implementing EMEA-wide change transformation programs, to achieving various recognised ISO standards, his responsibilities included defining, building and leading NTT’s operational capabilities, including systems, processes and procedures to help it achieve record levels of growth during the period.

His new appointment to the Kao Data senior management team will provide an integral piece of strategic and technical, operational support alongside Paul Finch, who transitions to the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Pete’s responsibilities will include primary ownership of key operational functions such as operations, customer implementation, design and engineering, networks and systems, security, incident management, and health and safety.

Furthermore, Pete’s values are well-aligned with Kao Data’s mission to build one of the industry’s most diverse, equitable and inclusive digital infrastructure organisations, and he brings with him extensive people management and mentoring expertise - all of which is driven by a passion for building and leading high-performing, safe, effective, and efficient teams.

“During the last decade Kao Data has led the charge on the development of industrial-scale data centres, engineered for AI, and is recognised globally as one of the industry’s most disruptive leaders,” said Doug Loewe, CEO, Kao Data. “Appointing Pete as our new COO further vindicates our ethos for working with high-calibre industry professionals who have succeeded in some of the most demanding data centre environments, and we are delighted to welcome him into the Kao Data family.”

“In just a short time, Kao Data has established an exceptional reputation for designing, building and operating world-class data centres, and its entrepreneurial approach to AI and supercomputing has enabled it to move at a pace that has exceeded the market,” said Pete Judson, COO, Kao Data. “As its new COO, I’m excited to join the organisation on the cusp of its European expansion and to work alongside my new colleagues to exceed the high bar they’ve already set for design, customer service, technical and operational excellence.