In his four years at Ottawa-based digital consulting firm Iversoft, Graeme Barlow has steered the company through not one but two key pivots.
As chief marketing officer from 2016-19, the serial entrepreneur played an integral role in the fast-growing company’s shift from primarily an app and website developer to a “one-stop shop” that also offered a range of digital marketing services. Along the way, the firm acquired two companies, quadrupled its headcount to 40 employees and consistently achieved triple-digit annual revenue growth.
After being named the company’s first chief executive last November, Barlow focused on building partnerships as part of the firm’s expansion push into new markets such as Toronto and New York. But when the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into the global economy, Barlow made a decisive move to pare down the company’s business model and spin off its marketing arm helmed by fellow 2020 Forty Under 40 recipient Shawna Tregunna. In addition, the company responded to the new economic challenges through such initiatives as adopting a remote-first work environment for the remainder of the year and implementing an optional four-day work week.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
World Junior Championships set to boost Ottawa’s economy and global reputation
The World Junior Championships will kick off in Ottawa in December, bringing tens of millions of dollars of economic activity to the city, as well as a chance for local
Investing in the next generation: Ottawa businesses encouraged to build futures through mentorship
Do you remember the mentor in your life who helped shape your career? In the business world, success often depends on the connections we build, fuelled by guidance and support
In addition to co-founding several multimillion-dollar companies over the past 20 years, Barlow has also been an active adviser with organizations such as Founder Institute North America and the University of Ottawa’s Startup Garage pre-accelerator program.
