Critical Software Announces Switch of CEO & Chairman Roles

Following another record-breaking year of growth, the role switch will allow the two leaders to renew their focus on key areas of Critical Software’s business. Critical Software grew its turnover in 2018 by 42% to 45m euros and doubled its employee headcount to over 800.

As CEO, João Carreira’s focus will be to continue Critical Software’s growth and entry into new markets. Gonçalo Quadros will use his remit as Chairman to continue building on the company’s strong culture and the wider Critical community. Both will continue working closely together as part of the company’s established Management Board.

João Carreira, Critical Software’s new CEO, commented: “For over 20 years, Gonçalo and I have shared the company’s leadership roles and it is important to refresh things from time to time. Working together, we want to build on Critical Software’s success over recent years by driving further growth and tapping into our entrepreneurial spirit to enter new markets.

We’re as excited and focused as ever about the opportunities in front of us.”

As the company’s new Chairman, Gonçalo Quadros added: “Critical Software has always been more than a business. At our core lies a unique culture and a strong connection to our people and our wider community. We are a company where engineering, innovation and caring for our people are equally important to us. As we grow, the fabric of this culture will continue to define us, and I want to ensure it remains at the heart of how we do things at Critical.”

Gonçalo Quadros and João Carreira are two of the original founders of Critical Software. The company was formed in 1998 and has since grown to over 800 employees, with offices across Portugal, the UK and Germany. The company provides technology solutions to industries across the world, including aerospace, energy, transport, finance and defence.

An interview is available on Critical Software’s blog.