ECI Software Solutions is bringing back Ron Books as CEO. He previously led the business management software provider from 2009 to 2021 and will take up the role again on 26 October 2026. Trevor Gruenewald is stepping down after almost six years as CEO and will remain a member of the board of directors.
Books’ appointment sees a familiar name return to the top of ECI. He succeeds Trevor Gruenewald, who spent 18 years at the company, almost six of them as CEO. ECI develops cloud-based business management software and services for small and medium-sized businesses, into which it is increasingly incorporating AI.
Growth and acquisitions under Gruenewald
According to ECI, under Gruenewald’s leadership the company grew from a national software provider into an international business with 25,000 customers in more than 90 countries. It expanded its operations in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific and completed more than 26 acquisitions during that period. ECI also invested in cloud technology, AI and a more closely integrated portfolio of industry-specific software.
Gruenewald says that in making his decision he considered both his family and the company’s next phase. In his own words, he felt this was the right moment to hand over the leadership. In his view, ECI has the strategy, the people and the technology to support small and medium-sized businesses. He will remain involved in the company’s strategic direction through the board of directors. During the transition period, he will work with Books and the management team.
Return after five years
Books joined ECI in 1999 and headed the company for twelve years. After stepping down as CEO in 2021, he remained involved as a special adviser to the board of directors. Most recently, Books was CEO of Net Health, a healthcare technology company, where he will remain active as Executive Chairman.
Books says he knows the company, its customers and its employees well. He cites building on current results and continuing to invest in technology that helps customers improve their operations as his priorities. He also expresses his appreciation for the way Gruenewald led the company through a period of growth and transformation.
No change of direction announced
ECI states that Books will continue the existing strategy and investment priorities. The focus remains on cloud-based software with AI functionality for SMEs. The company aims to enable smaller organisations to compete with considerably larger players.
The announcement makes no mention of changes to the product portfolio, partner programmes or acquisition strategy. Nor does ECI say whether the change will affect the rest of the management team. The return of a former CEO who has long known the organisation points above all to continuity in the direction taken in recent years.
This article was originally published in Dutch on MSP Business. Read the original →
