Paul Francis was born in Portsmouth, UK. Having completed a computer science degree at Kingston University, he began his career producing software for the European Space Agency and the UK Ministry of Defense. He then went on to join Lotus Development Corp as an analyst/programmer.

Paul was asked to join IIR to manage a global Lotus Notes rollout, but was presented with the opportunity, shortly after joining, to become the Group IT manager – based out of Amsterdam. This role had responsibility for operations in 32 countries and saw him based out of New York and Florida in addition to the Netherlands.

Paul moved back to the UK in 1995 and founded Devron Integrated Systems, which became one of the most successful software and services companies operating in the event management, conference and exhibition space. Clients from 12 countries included Wembley, Earls Court and the World Conservation Forum. This business was sold in September 2001.

During this time, Paul founded www.thursdayclub.com, a website focussed on the high-end bar, restaurant and social scene. This is still running today.

Paul went on to become the Director of Technology and Resources (CTO) for Saltmine, based in London. Saltmine UK focussed on online applications, new media and web-based activities.

After two and a half years at Saltmine, Paul took a sabbatical, during which time he traveled to Japan and around Asia, before settling in Sydney, Australia. Here he took up a position as head of software solutions for Volante (an Australian ASX listed organisation) before being headhunted to the Chief Technology Position at one of the largest independent software vendors in the automation space – Citect.

Citect were acquired by Schneider-Electric in 2006