Former Lancom boss takes the A/NZ reins at Lyra Technology

Outgoing Lancom Technology chief executive Waruna Kirimetiyawa is taking the A/NZ reins of Lyra Technology Group as regional CEO.

Lyra is a division of San Francisco-based holding company Evergreen Services, which signalled its interest in the A/NZ region with its late 2023 acquisition of Lancom, followed by a string of further acquisitions in Australia.

More than 3000 businesses worldwide have been evaluated over the firm’s seven years investing in the industry, resulting in 70 acquisitions. 

Lyra Technology Group CEO Elliott Hyman congratulated Kirimetiyawa on his new role.

“Upon meeting Waruna, it quickly became apparent to us that his character, intelligence, and drive would make him an extremely effective flag bearer for Lyra in Australia and New Zealand,” Hyman said.

“We are very fortunate to have him on our team in this pivotal role as we continue to build the foundation of our business in A/NZ.”  

As the operational arm of Evergreen, Lyra serves as a platform supporting the continued growth of the acquired companies.

Lancom and several other businesses across A/NZ have therefore now become operational companies under the Lyra umbrella.

“The plan always was succession for new CEO Priscila Bernardes and the rest of the management team,” Kirimetiyawa said. “CEO roles aren’t forever, and fresh talent and ideas will see Lancom move to even higher success.” 

Kirimetiyawa’s tenure at Lancom saw the business complete multiple managed services acquisitions and largely accomplish its 10-year plan within seven.

“The sale of the business was always part of the plan, and when the opportunity arose with Evergreen, it was ideal,” Kirimetiyawa said.

Evergreen supports organic growth in the selected businesses by providing capital and expertise while empowering local CEOs to run their businesses in accordance with their own proven growth strategies.

In his new role, Kirimetiyawa is also the board lead for Lyra’s A/NZ businesses, facilitating strategy and equipping each with the tools, technology and support necessary for execution. He is also part of Evergreen’s due diligence processes evaluating target companies. 

“Having spent all of my 22-year career at Lancom, it’s a continuing privilege to contribute to its ongoing success in my new position,” Kerimetiyawa said.

“As managed services providers, talent is all we are selling,” he said. “The technology is available to anyone; what you do with it is the differentiator customers want.”