Mark Moffat: Visionary CEO Leading IFS into the Future of Industrial AI
In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, leaders who can balance vision with execution stand out as true game-changers. One such leader is Mark Moffat, the Chief Executive Officer of IFS, a global powerhouse in enterprise cloud and Industrial AI software. Since his appointment as CEO in January 2024, Moffat has set out an ambitious strategy to transform IFS into the world’s leading industrial software company. With a career spanning decades across PwC, Vodafone, and now IFS, he brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and customer-first leadership to the table.
This article delves into the professional journey of Mark Moffat, his vision for IFS, his past roles at PwC and Vodafone, and his qualifications and certifications. It also explores how his bold leadership is shaping the industrial software landscape and why his story is one worth paying attention to.
Mark Moffat: The Rise to CEO at IFS
A Defining Appointment
In January 2024, Mark Moffat was appointed CEO of IFS, succeeding Darren Roos, who transitioned to become Chair of the Board. This marked a significant moment for IFS, as Moffat inherited a company already on a strong growth trajectory and tasked himself with elevating it to new heights.
As CEO, he has made it clear that his goal is to position IFS as the #1 brand in industrial software and to drive the company towards becoming a $100 billion enterprise value market leader. His leadership style is bold, visionary, and customer-focused, setting the tone for the company’s transformation into an AI-first organisation.
Building on IFS’s Transformation
Moffat’s early initiatives have centred on embedding Industrial AI at the core of IFS’s strategy, culture, and product roadmap. By doing so, he is redefining how asset-intensive industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, utilities, energy, and telecoms leverage technology to improve efficiency and deliver greater value.
In 2024 alone, under his leadership, IFS surpassed €1 billion in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), representing a 32% year-on-year growth, with cloud revenues surging by 38%. These figures reflect not only strong business performance but also the trust customers place in IFS under Moffat’s stewardship.
Mark Moffat at IFS: From Chief Customer Officer to CEO
Before taking the top role, Mark Moffat IFS journey began in July 2022, when he joined as Chief Customer Officer. In this role, he was responsible for leading customer engagement, ensuring outcomes-based delivery, and strengthening strategic partnerships.
His deep commitment to customers set him apart as a leader who does not just talk about customer-centricity but lives it. This experience positioned him perfectly for the CEO role, ensuring continuity and a seamless transition in leadership.
Professional Journey Before IFS
PwC: A Distinguished Career
Before joining IFS, IFS Mark Moffat spent a remarkable 23 years at PwC, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. His tenure there saw him rise through the ranks, taking on increasingly complex and high-profile roles:
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Partner (1998–2013): Over 15 years, Moffat established himself as a trusted adviser, leading large-scale consulting projects and demonstrating an ability to manage complex client needs.
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Controls Assurance Leader (2013–2017): He oversaw risk and assurance services, helping businesses manage governance and control frameworks effectively.
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Energy, Utilities and Resources Consulting Sector Lead (2018–2020): In this role, Moffat led consulting services across critical sectors, positioning PwC as a trusted partner in industries facing disruption.
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CTO of PwC Consulting UK & EMEA (2020–2022): As Chief Technology Officer, he spearheaded PwC’s technology agenda across the UK and Europe, bringing digital transformation strategies to the forefront.
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Global Relationship Lead for Shell plc (2020–2022): He worked closely with Shell, one of the world’s largest energy companies, guiding transformation initiatives and strengthening strategic ties.
This combination of technical expertise, leadership, and customer engagement at PwC laid a strong foundation for his later successes at IFS.
Vodafone: International CFO
Adding to his global credentials, Mark Moffat also served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Vodafone Ghana between 2008 and 2010. Based in Accra, he was responsible for steering the financial operations of one of Vodafone’s key African subsidiaries. This role gave him valuable insights into operating in emerging markets, managing cross-cultural teams, and driving financial performance under challenging conditions.
Licenses & Certifications
A critical part of Mark Moffat’s professional profile is his formal qualifications. He trained as a Chartered Accountant and holds membership in the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).
This certification reflects his solid grounding in financial and business principles, complementing his leadership roles in technology and consulting. It also underpins his credibility in boardrooms and across industries, ensuring that his decisions are guided by both commercial acumen and technical insight.
Leadership Philosophy and Vision
Customer Obsession
At the heart of Moffat’s leadership is an uncompromising focus on customers. His tenure as Chief Customer Officer at IFS demonstrated his ability to champion outcomes-based engagements, ensuring clients saw measurable results from their investment in IFS solutions.
Driving an AI-First Strategy
One of the most significant elements of his vision is making IFS an AI-first organisation. By embedding Industrial AI into the company’s products and operations, Moffat is ensuring IFS remains ahead of the curve in helping businesses embrace predictive maintenance, intelligent automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Building a $100 Billion Enterprise
Mark Moffat has publicly declared his ambition to make IFS a $100 billion enterprise value leader. This ambition is not just rhetoric; it is backed by strong financial performance, a clear growth strategy, and a relentless focus on scaling the company’s global reach.
IFS Under Mark Moffat’s Leadership
Strong Financial Growth
With revenues crossing €1 billion ARR and cloud services growing by 38%, IFS is now firmly positioned among the elite in enterprise software. Moffat’s leadership has enabled the company to outperform competitors and deliver exceptional shareholder value.
Industry-Specific Focus
Unlike many generic software vendors, IFS under Moffat is focused on asset-intensive industries. By doubling down on sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, IFS has carved out a niche where it can dominate and build long-term value.
Empowering Employees
With a workforce of more than 7,000 employees across 80 countries, Moffat’s leadership style is empowering and inclusive. He places a strong emphasis on diversity, talent development, and creating a culture where innovation thrives.
Conclusion
Mark Moffat is not just another CEO; he is a visionary leader redefining the future of industrial software. His journey from PwC and Vodafone to becoming the CEO of IFS reflects a career built on expertise, customer obsession, and bold ambition. Under his leadership, IFS has embraced an AI-first strategy, achieved outstanding growth milestones, and set an ambitious course to become a $100 billion market leader.
With his combination of financial acumen, technology expertise, and customer-first leadership, Mark Moffat IFS is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of enterprise software. His story serves as a powerful example of how vision, strategy, and execution can come together to shape not only a company but also the industries it serves.
