The CEO of UK data center company Kao Data, Doug Loewe, has stepped down.

The company claimed that Loewe had "decided to dedicate more of his time" to philanthropic work, a cause with which he has a long history. Loewe was CEO for a year and a half.

Doug_Loewe_201023-051 copy
– Kao Data

Founder and executive chairman David Bloom has been named the new head of the company, while the broader senior management team will manage the company’s commercial, operations, human resources, finance, and development functions.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire team at Kao Data, I would like to thank Doug for his vision and leadership during his tenure,” Bloom said.

“The company is supportive of Doug’s personal desire to progress his philanthropic and overseas interests, and thanks to his collaborative and inclusive approach, our senior management team (SMT) is well-placed to continue to progress and deliver our growth strategy. Having founded Kao Data in 2014 and having been actively involved in the business’ leadership since, I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the company again, alongside our SMT.”

Loewe added: “Although I am indeed stepping away from Kao Data to continue my academic, political, and philanthropic passions in the USA, Africa, and Europe, I am leaving the business in the very capable hands of its world-class senior management team, overseen by its founder and original visionary, David Bloom."

Founded in 2014, Kao Data was an early developer of AI and HPC-focused data centers in the UK and has expanded its flagship Harlow campus. It now also operates in Slough and acquired a data center in Northolt, with a total of 150MW in operation.

A 40MW data center in Manchester is planned to open by the end of this year. When we spoke to Loewe last year, he said Kao was exploring opportunities in mainland Europe - something the company confirmed was still happening despite his departure.

Data center facilities management services have been handled by CBRE since last December.

This January, Kao Data raised £206m (US$281m) in debt financing with Deutsche Bank.

More in The Management & Operations Channel