Sweeny joins from IBM where has held a number of senior executive roles over the last 16 years. For most of his time with IBM, Sweeny was a leader in their Global Services business and managed the sales and delivery of several large outsourcing contracts delivered for the benefit of leading global companies, notably in the financial services and utility sectors.

Commenting on Sweeny's appointment, Vertex chairman Sir Peter Gershon said: "In Paul we have a seasoned leader who shares our ambitions for our clients, people and business. His proven success in the outsourcing arena brings complementary skills and insights that will accelerate Vertex's growth and development."

Of his appointment, Sweeny said: "Vertex is a leader in the industry and known for the quality of its people and services. It has immense opportunity to build on this reputation and extend its offerings in North America, the UK and India. I am looking forward to leading this next, exciting chapter in its growth."

At Vertex, Sweeny will be responsible for the development and execution of the company's growth strategy and leading a motivated workforce of almost 9,000 people across the UK, North America and India.

Sweeny joined IBM in 1993 and most recently served as Global Managing Director in IBM's Financial Services Business. Over the course of his career at IBM, Sweeny has been responsible for all aspects of IBM's relationship with some of their largest financial services clients, run utilities outsourcing globally and run global sales and business development for IBM's Managed Business Process Services unit.