Kev Linsell
From BT apprentice to CEO, building a career through practical learning, resilience and a commitment to developing people.
Kev Linsell studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Suffolk College between 1989 and 1992, joining as part of a BT apprenticeship. His time at college helped him realise that he learned best through practical, hands‑on experience, something that shaped the way he approached every step of his career. Rather than following a traditional academic route, Kev taught himself, built his confidence through real‑world problem‑solving, and developed the mindset that would later define his leadership style.
After completing his apprenticeship, Kev moved through a variety of roles within BT, including overseas opportunities. In 2007, he joined Computacenter as a pre‑sales solution architect, supporting managed services, data centre and storage solutions during the rapid rise of cloud technologies. He later moved into the private equity space, heading up strategy for a hosting and managed service company of around 120 people. When that business was sold, Kev continued to work across other private equity‑backed organisations, helping shape their direction and growth.
Just as the Covid pandemic arrived, Kev took the opportunity to join IJYI Ltd, eventually becoming a shareholder and stepping into the role of CEO of the local technology business he now leads.
Kev says his biggest achievements aren’t tied to awards or milestones, but to people. Supporting colleagues, helping them grow, and watching them achieve more than they ever believed possible has been the most rewarding part of his journey. Sometimes, he says, people just need someone to believe in them.
His advice to current students is simple: try something you don’t understand and aren’t comfortable with; you may surprise yourself.