Elona Mortimer-Zhika: From Ambitious Immigrant to CEO of IRIS Software Group
Elona Mortimer-Zhika is a name that resonates in the world of finance and business leadership. As the CEO of IRIS Software Group, one of the leading providers of accounting software solutions in the UK, her career trajectory has been nothing short of inspiring. Mortimer-Zhika’s rise to the top of one of the largest software acquisitions in the UK showcases not only her intelligence and skills but also her relentless drive and determination. In this article, we will delve deeper into her journey, explore her professional success, and touch on some personal aspects that have shaped her into the leader she is today.
Early Life and Education: A Journey from Albania to the UK
Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s story begins in Albania, where she was born and raised. Leaving behind her home country at the age of 16, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to the UK with barely any knowledge of the English language. This brave decision to study abroad reflects her innate desire to learn and grow. Mortimer-Zhika was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to attend UWC Atlantic College in Wales, a prestigious international school that provided her with the opportunity to engage with peers from over 130 countries.
Her academic journey continued at the University of Reading, where she earned a first-class degree in Accounting and Economics. This was a pivotal moment in her life, as it exposed her to the complexities of global economics, a topic that was entirely new to her given Albania’s history of centralized economics. Her fascination with numbers and finance led her to pursue a career in accountancy, a decision influenced by her father, an economist.
Career Beginnings: The Path to Leadership
After completing her studies, Mortimer-Zhika embarked on a career with Arthur Andersen, where she initially joined as part of the graduate training scheme. Her time there was a significant learning experience, providing her with global exposure through training with colleagues from countries like Lebanon, the US, and Australia. However, the collapse of Arthur Andersen, following the Enron scandal, led to her joining Deloitte in the UK. There, she rose through the ranks to become a senior manager by the age of 26, gaining invaluable experience in the field of audit and assurance.
Following her stint at Deloitte, Mortimer-Zhika transitioned to a role at Acision, a mobile data firm. She later worked at Mavenir, a company formed after a series of mergers and acquisitions, where she served as the Chief of Staff to the CEO. These roles honed her skills in finance, corporate restructuring, and leadership, preparing her for her eventual move to IRIS Software Group in 2016.
Leading IRIS Software Group: A Turning Point in Her Career
In 2016, Elona Mortimer-Zhika joined IRIS Software Group as the Chief Financial Officer. Her expertise in finance, combined with her leadership experience in previous roles, allowed her to make an immediate impact. Within two years, she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, a role that saw her overseeing operations, customer care, revenue delivery, HR, IT, legal, M&A integration, and more. Mortimer-Zhika’s strategic vision and hands-on leadership approach helped IRIS continue to grow and innovate in the competitive finance software space.
In September 2019, Mortimer-Zhika was appointed as the CEO of IRIS Software Group, succeeding Kevin Dady. Under her leadership, IRIS has flourished, expanding its services to over 21,000 accountancy practices in the UK. The company now serves more than 650,000 SMEs and offers solutions for payroll, HR management, and school communications, among other things. Mortimer-Zhika’s focus on customer satisfaction and innovation has played a key role in making IRIS a market leader.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s Leadership Style: Empowering Others
Elona Mortimer-Zhika attributes much of her success to her leadership style, which prioritizes empowerment, learning, and a healthy work-life balance. She believes in giving employees the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Her emphasis on providing the best possible service to customers is another hallmark of her leadership. Mortimer-Zhika takes pride in turning challenging customer situations into positive outcomes, showcasing her commitment to service excellence.
One of her core values is the importance of maintaining a clear line between work and personal life. Despite her demanding career, she has always ensured that her family comes first. She is married and has two young children. Mortimer-Zhika encourages her team to follow her lead and prioritize family over work when necessary, reinforcing the idea that personal well-being is just as important as professional achievement.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s Personal Life: A Commitment to Family and Growth
Beyond her professional achievements, Elona Mortimer-Zhika is deeply committed to her family. She has been open about the importance of spending quality time with her husband and children. Her family plays a central role in her life, and she actively participates in their hobbies and activities, from watching football matches to attending tennis games. Mortimer-Zhika’s commitment to family life is a crucial part of her overall philosophy, which emphasizes balance and growth both in and outside the workplace.
In addition to her family life, Mortimer-Zhika is constantly seeking personal growth. She works with a personal trainer and has even taken up learning to ride a bike at nearly 40 years old, proving that she believes in continuous learning and development, no matter the stage of life. This philosophy of lifelong learning extends to her professional endeavors as well, as she continues to mentor others and contribute to charitable organizations like The Hg Foundation.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s Salary and Net Worth
As the CEO of IRIS Software Group, Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s salary is likely substantial, reflecting her leadership role in a multi-billion-pound company. While specific figures for her salary are not publicly disclosed, it is common for executives of large companies to receive a combination of salary, bonuses, and stock options. Given the significant growth IRIS has experienced under her leadership, her compensation package likely mirrors her substantial contributions to the company’s success.
Regarding her net worth, while exact figures are unavailable, it is reasonable to assume that Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s wealth is in the millions. Her executive roles at IRIS Software Group, combined with her career history, suggest that her financial standing is significant. However, her true wealth lies in her influence, leadership, and the opportunities she has created for others.
Conclusion
Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s rise from a young immigrant with limited English skills to the CEO of one of the UK’s leading software companies is a testament to her perseverance, intelligence, and commitment to growth. Her journey reflects the power of education, empowerment, and a strong sense of family and personal development. Today, she serves as a role model for aspiring leaders, especially women in business, and continues to make an impact both in the boardroom and in her community.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika’s story is one of seizing opportunities, breaking barriers, and leading with integrity. Her contributions to the world of finance, technology, and leadership are undeniable, and she continues to inspire the next generation of business leaders around the world.
