John Devlin

Co-Founder & CEO @ Ascensos

About

I’m a commercial leader and entrepreneur with a track record of building, scaling and exiting businesses.As Co-Founder and CEO of Ascensos, I grew the business from start-up to an international operation over a decade, culminating in a successful exit in 2024. I continue to lead the business post-acquisition, with a focus on delivering for clients, integrating teams, and maintaining the culture that underpinned our growth.My experience sits at the intersection of customer operations, commercial strategy and people leadership. I’ve worked closely with global brands to scale customer experience functions in a way that delivers both performance and long-term value.Alongside my executive role, I hold Non-Executive and Advisory positions where I support founders & leadership teams on growth strategy, go-to-market execution, and preparing for investment or exit.I’m particularly interested in:* Scaling businesses from £1m–£20m revenue* Building high-performance commercial teams* Customer operations and experience strategy* Supporting founders through growth and exitDirect, pragmatic, and people-focused in how I work.I was recognised as EY Entrepreneur of the Year – Scotland (2021)

Country

United Kingdom

City

Edinburgh

Industry

Outsourcing/Offshoring

Skill

Customer Management, BPO, Strategy, Contact Centers, Renewable Energy, New Business Development, Outsourcing, Program Management, CRM, Management, Business Development, Operations Management, Call Centers, Team Management, Business Process Improvement, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, Sales Management, Sales, Start-ups

Experience

Co-Founder & CEO

Ascensos

2013-8 - Present · 13 yrs 2 mos

United Kingdom

Co-founded and scaled Ascensos into an international customer operations business * Led the company through rapid global growth and a successful exit in 2024 * Built long-term partnerships with major retail and eCommerce brands * Developed a people-led culture focused on performance, accountability and engagement * Currently leading post-acquisition integration and ongoing commercial delivery

Non-Executive Director

Appointedd

2026-1 - Present · 9 mos

Edinburgh

* Supporting growth strategy and go-to-market direction * Advising on commercial positioning within retail and service sectors * Working with leadership on scaling revenue and enterprise account acquisition

Board Advisor

Africa Scotland Business Network

2025-4 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

South Africa

* Advising on commercial strategy, growth and organisational development

Non-Executive Director

Spirit Aid

2014 - 2015 · 1 yr

Greater Glasgow Area

Spirit Aid is a humanitarian relief organisation dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children and young people.

Non-Executive Director / Interim MD

Renewable Resources (Energy Solutions) Ltd

2012 - 2014 · 2 yrs

United Kingdom

NED & Interim MD of the UK's leading specialist in renewable energy solutions for large scale commercial installations. Operating from the UK and a subsidiary USA entity, the business developed at an astonishing pace with turnover growth of >10x across an 18 month period.

Chairman & Director

Albion Rovers Football Club

2008 - 2014 · 6 yrs

Coatbridge, Scotland

Scottish Professional Football League Chairman 2013/2014. Previously as a Director between 2008 and 2013. Governance, commercial strategy, marketing and operational management.

Managing Director

2010-10 - 2012-10 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Responsible for the overall business delivery of Teleperformance Scotland (post acquisition of beCogent Ltd). Leadership for 2500 employees and with revenues exceeding £55m.

Commercial & Operations Director

beCogent Ltd

2002 - 2010 · 8 yrs

Board Director responsible for the overall delivery of beCogent’s four contact centre operations including New Business, Client Management, Operations and Technology. Delivered growth from £5m to £50m+ prior to successful exit in 2010.

EMEA Programme Manager

Motorola Computer Group

2000 - 2002 · 2 yrs

EMEA Programme Manager for Cellular Mobile Products. Full programme P&L accountability. Relationship owner for key Motorola Europe partners & clients. Several successful global assignments.

UK Business Manager

Modus Media International

1995 - 2000 · 5 yrs

Previously as RR Donnelley Group. Outsource turnkey manufacture, customer care and logistics. Manufacture and distribution of hardware & software packages for OEM market.