Simon Downing

Portrait
Simon Downing, Non-executive Director of Literacy Capital plc

A CEO and Chair with 30 years’ experience, Simon has a proven track record of building, leading and advising companies, to deliver significant stakeholder returns


Civica (2001 – 2024)



  • As the founder of Civica in 2001, he grew the business to become one of the UK’s largest software companies, with revenues of £500m, 5000 people and operations across 10 countries

  • Simon led the business through IPO and multiple private equity transactions, with the business valued at $2.5billion at the time of his departure in 2024


Since 2012 Simon has been Chair of five private equity backed businesses. He is currently Chair of Audiotonix, a UK business recognised as a leader in the design and manufacture of audio mixing consoles, used by the most iconic bands, venues and events world-wide. He has been Chair of the business through three private equity ownership cycles, the most recent of which valued the business at £2.5billion


In addition to his board roles, Simon is an active investor in the technology sector and acts as senior UK advisor to Ardian Europe, a large private investment fund with $128billion of assets under management. He is also a past winner of the EY Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award