Frank J. Cunnane

Board and advisory

I have sat on both sides of that table.

I sold SAP consulting services, then spent two decades as the buyer. On a board, that tells you whether the pipeline is real and whether the customer will renew.

Where I add most

Three kinds of board.

Media technology

Vendors selling into studios, broadcasters and content supply chains

I ran content platform technology for a major studio until 2026. I know what a studio CTO approves, how procurement works, and how long the sales cycle really is.

Useful for

Scale-ups with no former buyer on the board. Roadmaps that need testing against how a studio works.

PE-backed technology

Non-executive roles in sponsor-backed software and services businesses

Value-creation plans with technology in the critical path: a bolt-on integration, a carve-out, a cost programme. I have delivered all three at scale and can judge whether the plan is achievable.

Useful for

Sponsors placing a NED with delivery credibility. Boards taking technology risk on trust.

IT services

Industry adviser to services and outsourcing firms

I have run outsourcing selections, moved people through TUPE and set up an offshore captive. I give the client's view plainly, before the client does.

Useful for

Leaders who want honest feedback on propositions and pricing from someone who signed the contracts.

Governance

Where I learned governance.

Running something and governing it are different. These roles taught me the second.

Since 2024

Current

Chair of Trustees, SearchLight Counselling and Therapy

Chairing a counselling and therapy charity: strategy, safeguarding, finance and the executive.

Since 2020

Current

Non-Executive Adviser to the Board, Confiance

Counsel to the founder on strategy, growth and governance, with a global CIO's view of how enterprises buy technology. Appointed at formation.

Previously

Public and charity

Public governor and trustee roles

Public governor, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. Trustee, The Listening Place. Trustee, Salisbury Hospice Charity. Holding an executive to account without running the organisation.

What I am looking for

Two advisory boards. One or two non-executive seats.

Deliberately few. Useful to two companies, not decorative on six.

Sectors
Media technology, enterprise software, IT and business services
Stage
Scale-up through PE-backed mid-market
Terms
Cash retainer or equity, agreed early