Executive biographies

A team chosen for its expertise in software & service

Our top team is responsible for planning strategies, setting priorities, allocating resources, agreeing targets and monitoring our progress. Together they help ensure we continue to deliver outstanding service across the business.


Michael Donovan

Michael Donovan

Michael Donovan is the founder, worldwide chairman and CEO of Donovan Data Systems. In addition to these responsibilities, Michael focuses on product development.

Born in Panama and raised in Costa Rica and Peru, Michael graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in engineering. He continued his studies at MIT with an MS in computers and business. After a year at IBM in New York, in 1965 Michael saw an opportunity to go out on his own as an independent programming consultant. He started Donovan Data Systems two years later.

Michael designed and wrote the company's first system, DiskTab, for market research tabulation. From there, he steered Donovan Data Systems into licensed advertising software systems and, in the early '70s, set it up as an industry data centre, long before outsourcing became fashionable.

Return to the top

Mike Koizim

Mike Koizim

Mike Koizim is the chief operating officer of Donovan Data Systems. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business and, with chairman Michael Donovan, sets the company’s strategic direction.

Mike joined DDS as controller in 1986 after seven years in public accounting. He was promoted to chief financial officer in 1988 and to chief operating officer in 1998.

Return to the top

Linda Conway

Linda ConwayLinda Conway is director of corporate communications for Donovan Data Systems. Based in London her primary responsibility is managing the company's communications and PR strategy.

After graduating from university with a degree in journalism, Linda worked in radio and newspapers before joining Unilever where she was corporate media manager. She joined Donovan Data Systems in 2000.

Return to the top

Sarah Lawson Johnston

Sarah Lawson JohnstonSarah Lawson Johnston is director of client service for Donovan Data Systems in the UK & Ireland. Her primary responsibility is to manage the delivery of service to DDS clients, which is provided through dedicated account teams and the system support centre.

After graduating from Newcastle University in 1994 with a degree in economics, Sarah joined DDS as an account executive. In 2000 she became account director and worked with major companies including IPG, Omnicom and WPP.

Return to the top

Todd Rankin

Todd RankinTodd Rankin is director of finance for Donovan Data Systems in Europe. His primary responsibility is to direct and oversee the company's financial and commercial activities.

Todd qualified as an accountant with CIMA in 1997 becoming a Fellow of the Institute in 2001. He joined DDS in 2009, having previously held senior financial positions in the health, logistics and technology sectors.

Return to the top

Gill Robinson

Gill RobinsonGill Robinson is director of human resources for Donovan Data Systems in the UK & Ireland. Her primary responsibility is to ensure the company hires, develops and retains the best and the brightest people.

Gill joined DDS in 1981 as a member of the client service team, where she worked closely with major client companies as well as colleagues in product development. She became human resources director in 1997.

Return to the top