Bruce Claassen Appointed New CFO of Kao Data Amid Rapid Expansion

Bruce Claassen Appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Kao Data

Kao Data, a prominent name in the development and operations of data centers optimized for artificial intelligence and advanced computing, has made a significant announcement regarding its leadership team. Effective from October 1, 2026, Bruce Claassen will take on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic appointment comes at a crucial juncture as the company aims to enhance its footprint in the bustling AI and advanced computing landscape, particularly across regions like Greater London and Greater Manchester.

Bruce Claassen arrives with an impressive portfolio, bringing over two decades of extensive financial leadership experience. His background encompasses a diverse range of multinational firms and private equity-backed enterprises, with a strong focus on the digital infrastructure sphere over the past decade. Before joining Kao Data, Bruce worked at Global Switch, where he served as Group Finance Director and briefly stepped into the role of Acting CFO. He played a key role in steering the finance organization through Europe and the Asia-Pacific, overseeing major refinancing initiatives that facilitated ongoing global expansion efforts.

As the new CFO, Bruce will collaborate closely with CEO Spencer Lamb and the wider leadership team to implement ambitious growth plans while working alongside the Board and investors. Together, they will guide new projects in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and Park Royal, West London, in addition to overseeing the operations of Kao Data’s award-winning data center campus in Harlow, Essex.

In his own words, Bruce expressed enthusiasm about joining Kao Data at a time when the data center industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation. He highlighted the growing demand from sectors driven by AI and hyperscale cloud computing, emphasizing his commitment to building on Kao Data's robust foundation and reputation for developing facilities tailored for critical computing tasks.

Spencer Lamb, CEO of Kao Data, hailed Bruce’s wealth of experience in high-growth businesses and deep understanding of capital investment and refinancing. He conveyed confidence that this combination of skills makes Bruce an excellent fit for the CFO role, particularly as the company gears up to meet the surging demand from customers.

Bruce’s journey began in South Africa, where he pursued his Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in London, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. His career trajectory has included transformative roles in various international public companies and high-impact positions in privately-backed businesses. His extensive expertise encompasses not only finance but also business transformation and infrastructure investment.

As Kao Data continues to lead the industry in pioneering advanced and sustainable data center solutions for AI and cloud services, Bruce Claassen’s appointment signals a new chapter of growth and innovation. With about 237 megawatts of IT load already operational, under development, or planned, Kao Data is positioned as a front-runner in the burgeoning sector of AI and advanced computing solutions, driven by a commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

For more updates and insights on Kao Data’s progress in the fast-evolving landscape of digital infrastructure, visit KaoData.com.