Leading Cheltenham-based IT services firm Emerge Digital has appointed former professional rugby player Mark Atkinson as a company director.
Former Gloucester centre Mark, who announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 34 in March 2024 due to a long term knee injury, joins Emerge as business development director, with a remit of helping to unlock opportunities for the firm in new markets.
Emerge Digital provides tech and digital solutions to help SMEs to grow, including IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure and innovative technologies like process automation and data visualisation.
This latest appointment coincides with the sixth year of Emerge's partnership with Gloucester Rugby, where Mark also holds a business development role.
After joining the club in 2014, Mark played 168 times for Gloucester over a ten-year period, while also being called-up for the Barbarians and England, making his only test appearance from the bench against Tonga in 2021 under former coach Eddie Jones.
On his recent transition from sport to business, Mark said: 'Since leaving the game, I’ve wanted to challenge myself in a new industry, and what better industry than technology.
'Emerge Digital’s growth and determination piqued my interest, and I’m excited to bring my experience and drive to this new role.
'My existing relationship with Emerge through their partnership with Gloucester Rugby made this the perfect fit.'
Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, added: 'Transferring ambition from sport to business is a natural progression. Businesses thrive with ambitious, intelligent individuals who are driven by clear goals. Mark exemplifies these qualities in every respect.'
Mark's role in leading Emerge's growth in new markets is a part of a two-year plan from the firm to continue its upward trajectory and double its revenue by 2026.
It comes after the firm closed out its financial year with revenues of £3 million — up from £2.2 million 12 months earlier.
