Newcastle-based software giant Sage Group, the UK’s largest listed tech company, said on Tuesday it hired Jonathan Howell as chief financial officer (CFO) with effect from December 10, 2018.

Howell was most recently group finance director of Close Brothers Group and prior to that he was CFO of the London Stock Exchange Group plc.

He has been a non-executive director of Sage and chairman of its audit and risk committee since 2013.

Howell will receive a basic annual salary of £535,000 and a pension contribution of 10% of salary.

He will also receive bonus and long-term incentives and all other benefits in accordance with Sage’s current directors’ remuneration policy.

Sage CEO Steve Hare said: “I am delighted that Jonathan has agreed to become CFO. He brings both considerable experience as a public company CFO as well as a strong understanding of the business.

“This, combined with our shared belief in the vision to become a great SaaS business for customers and colleagues alike makes him a great addition to the executive team.”