Osama Arafat joined Q9 Networks as Chief Executive Officer in 2001. Together with President and Chief Operating Officer, Paul Sharpe, Osama quickly established Q9 as the leader in the Canadian outsourced data centre services market. Responsible for Q9's growth strategy, Osama raised $115 million in two rounds of private equity financing to help fund the company's expansion. In 2004, Osama led the company in a successful initial public offering that raised a further $32 million. In 2008, Q9 reached an annual revenue run rate of approximately $68 million. In October of the same year, Q9 was acquired by ABRY Partners, a Boston-based private equity fund, for $361 million.
In 2009, Osama received the Canadian Venture Capital Association's "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in recognition of his achievements.
Prior to joining Q9, Osama was a partner at J. L. Albright Venture Partners where he directed a number of emerging technology companies in Canada. Previously, Osama co-led Isolation Systems, an award-winning manufacturer of VPN solutions. In 1994, he co-founded InfoRamp, one of Toronto's largest and best-known Internet service providers.
Osama holds a Master of Engineering from McGill University and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University.
Paul is the founder of Q9 Networks. Together with Chief Executive Officer, Osama Arafat, Paul quickly established Q9 as the leader in the Canadian outsourced data centre services market.
Paul's leadership and commitment to quality are fundamental to Q9's reputation for excellence. He has overall responsibility for day-to-day operations as well as the design and construction of Q9's state-of-the-art data centres. His management activities ensure that Q9's multi-disciplinary teams deliver the highest levels of customer service.
Paul has more than 20 years of extensive experience in research, development, deployment and management of telecommunications and Internet-related products. Mr. Sharpe studied computer science at the University of Toronto and was the recipient of an IBM Technology Award and a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council grant for his telecommunications research.
Kareem joined Q9 in 2000 and led the design and development of Q9's critical data centre software systems, including the customer control panel, physical security system, billing system, and power monitoring system. He also played a lead role in the deployment of the company's financial and sales force automation systems. In addition to managing the ongoing operation of these systems, Kareem is responsible for Q9's corporate IT function.
Kareem has more than 18 years experience in the management of a broad spectrum of software development projects, ranging from distributed applications and network security to database and interface design. Prior to Q9, he held a number of senior software and systems engineering positions with leading technology companies. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from McGill University.
Warren joined Q9 in 2000 and played a lead role in designing Q9's high-availability network. He has overall responsibility for delivering Q9's suite of managed network and hardware infrastructure services, as well as all internal corporate network services. Warren manages Q9's operations group, including the Q9 control centre and data centre technician teams, both of which operate on a 7x24 basis. He also oversees the network engineering team.
Warren has more than 20 years experience in data networking and security. Prior to joining Q9, Warren held senior systems engineering positions with Check Point Software and Isolation Systems, a VPN solutions company. He also has more than 10 years experience in the computer process control industry working for companies such as Dow Chemical, Imperial Oil, and BPB Canada. Warren holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University.
David joined Q9 in 2000 and played a key role in establishing Q9's brand as the leader in the Canadian marketplace. He is responsible for Q9's marketing and product management groups. These groups work with Q9's product engineering and sales teams to define, price and market Q9's high-availability data centre, network and hardware infrastructure services.
David has more than 18 years experience in technology marketing. Prior to joining Q9, David directed the Internet marketing group for BindView Corporation, a leading provider of IT risk management solutions. David also held senior positions with a number of other technology companies including Netect, iSTAR Internet and CRS Online, a Toronto-based ISP. David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Queen's University.
Victoria joined Q9 in 2006 and was appointed General Counsel in 2008. She is responsible for management of Q9's legal affairs, including a wide variety of contract and transaction negotiations.
A lawyer with more than 17 years of experience in both private practice and industry, Victoria has advised clients in many industries including technology, manufacturing, broadcasting and communications. Prior to joining Q9, Victoria practiced in the Corporate Group of Baker & McKenzie and held legal counsel positions with several companies, including CanWest Global and General Motors of Canada. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Toronto, a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall and is a member of the Ontario Bar.
Bob joined Q9 in 2007 and assumed the senior finance role in 2010. His responsibilities include financial reporting, corporate taxation and overseeing the budgeting, financial planning, risk management and internal control processes.
Bob is a chartered accountant with more than 30 years experience in both public practice and industry. After 17 years with KPMG LLP, leaving as an audit partner, Bob held senior financial positions with several private and publicly traded technology companies, including Legacy Storage Systems, Isolation Systems, Triple G Systems and Truition. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University.
Rick joined Q9 in 2000 and led a number of key initiatives, including the rollout of the 7x24 control centre, the definition of Q9's suite of infrastructure services offerings, and the building of the customer solutions architecture (CSA) group in support of pre and post sales efforts. Rick is responsible for the direction and management of the managed services group, the data centre site managers, and the CSA group.
Rick has more than 20 years experience in the engineering, software development, and networking industries and held various engineering and management positions with Intel Canada, Shiva Corporation, Balisoft/Servicesoft Technologies, Isolation Systems, iSTAR Internet and CAE Electronics. Rick holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Concordia University.
David joined Q9 in 2005 and has overall responsibility for Q9's sales efforts and market development initiatives, including the development and support of Q9's channel partnerships.
David has more than 20 years experience in the telecommunications services, telecommunications equipment and software industries in North America and Europe. Prior to joining Q9, he held senior management positions with a number of technology companies, including Sinclair Technologies, Winstar Europe, iSTAR Internet and Bell Canada. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University.
