Meet The Team

The nFocus Team

Ross Lister

Chairman and Founder

Ross Lister completed his BSc (Hons.) in Commercial Computing at the University of Manchester’s prestigious Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), followed by an MBA degree at the University of Wolverhampton.

As Chairman of nFocus, Ross has an ongoing passion for the development of new technologies. With a strong background in both academic and technical research, he is able to use his specialist experience and skills to help provide cutting edge consultancy and system testing solutions for nFocus clients. Prior to co-forming nFocus in 2000, Ross worked as a freelance Analyst Programmer, for companies which included Jaguar Cars, Westland Helicopters and eventually IBM.

Danny Crone

Technical Director and Founder

Danny Crone is a Test Practitioner and Technical Director at nFocus Testing. Danny has been in Software engineering for over 21 years and although he is a developer at heart, most of his IT career has been spent in Quality Assurance. He is a regular speaker at Testing events and also Microsoft ALM events. He has a real passion for Automated Testing.

Danny is a thought leader in the field of automated testing and has setup automated frameworks and approaches for many different clients. He has worked extensively with Visual Studio throughout the years and more recently became a Microsoft ALM Ranger, collaborating with other Rangers to produce “out of band” solutions for missing features and guidance in Visual Studio.

He loves challenges and helping others with their challenges, testing is always tough and he enjoys driving efficiencies into the test process to help build better software. Outside of work Danny has a passion for new technology, gadgets, skiing and helping his son Tom who has CP excel at all the things he does.

Ryan James

Managing Director

Ryan joined nFocus in 2008 and since that time has successfully managed many areas of the business including Marketing, Sales, Key Accounts, Partnerships, Operations and Delivery. He was appointed to the Board of Directors in February 2018 and became Managing Director in March 2021.

Ryan graduated from Keele University with a BSc (Hons.) in International History and Psychology. Following this, Ryan completed his Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

As Managing Director of nFocus, Ryan is responsible for the business strategy whilst also looking after key accounts, inputting into the sales and marketing strategy, overseeing nFocus’ high standard of delivery, supporting his talented team and managing the operational side of the business.

Ryan is enormously passionate about both his team and the outcome of his clients objectives. He has an inclusive leadership style, strong business acumen and works tirelessly to ensure successful outcomes for all of his stakeholders.

In his spare time, Ryan enjoys travelling, running and is a keen football fan.

Chris Edge

Financial Director

Chris, one of nFocus’ longest serving employees, was appointed Financial Director of nFocus Testing in August 2015.

Chris had been nFocus’ Commercial Operations Manager for several years having joined the company in 2006. He has previously been an Accountant at Veolia and Management Accountant at Goodyear after starting his profession in a number of manufacturing companies.

Chris is a Chartered Management Accountant having held senior finance positions for the past twenty years. He trained with the CIMA Accountancy Institution and has a passion for finance and the central role it plays within business. Outside work, Chris is a school governor at his children’s primary school. He is a keen badminton player and enjoys scuba diving when he can.

John Qualtrough

Senior Independent Director

John graduated from Oxford University in Engineering Science & Economics, since then he has built his business experience in the UK and Europe. He has led four businesses successfully, including a business turnaround and has been a Non-Executive Director of four other businesses, one of which was a winner of the Sunday Times Innovator of the Year Award.

He was Co-Founder of Minerva Group, which included businesses in software, recruitment and other business services – and Chief Executive of Amyyon UK, part of a world-wide group offering systems for customer relationship management. Those companies all moved on positively – two by MBO’s, one on the AIM market and one via a trade sale.

As part of this, he developed mutually productive business partnerships with US and European companies. His work in nFocus centres on helping the Company’s strategy and business plans using his skills and experience (both good and bad!) as well as mentoring key executives.

He is also keen to help develop good business alliances and partners for the company.

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