News
October 19, 2026 – ECI Software Solutions, Inc. (“ECI”), a leader in AI-powered, cloud-based business management software and services, today announced the appointment of Ron Books as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 26, 2026. Books, who previously served as ECI’s CEO from 2009 to 2021, returns to lead the company as Trevor Gruenewald retires from the CEO role and remains on ECI’s Board of Directors.
Gruenewald’s transition follows 18 years with ECI, including nearly six years as CEO. During his tenure, ECI grew from a domestic software provider into a global company serving 25,000 customers across more than 90 countries. He helped lead the company’s expansion across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, oversaw more than 26 acquisitions spanning ECI’s core industries, and advanced investments in cloud technology, AI and an increasingly connected portfolio of industry-specific solutions.
“Leading ECI has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and I am incredibly proud of what this team has built together,” said Gruenewald. “ECI is in a position of tremendous strength, with the right strategy, people, and technology designed to help small and mid-sized businesses compete and grow. As I considered what was right for both my family and ECI’s next chapter, it felt like the right time to make this transition. I’m thrilled that Ron has agreed to return, and I look forward to working alongside him as a member of the Board.”
“It has been a privilege to partner with Trevor, who built ECI into a global leader in mission-critical software for small and mid-sized businesses. We thank him for his leadership and are pleased he will continue to guide ECI as a board member,” said Usama Cortas, ECI Board member and Partner at Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. “We are equally excited to welcome Ron back as CEO. Ron led ECI through its formative years and knows its customers, people, and markets deeply. He is a proven leader with the vision to further strengthen ECI’s position in its markets, and we are confident he and the management team will build on ECI’s momentum and continue to accelerate its growth in this next chapter.”
“We’re thrilled to have Ron back as CEO of ECI. Apax backed Ron in 2017 to lead a transformation of the company. He tripled the size of the business and led ECI’s transition to the cloud,” said Jason Wright, ECI Board member and Partner at Apax Partners. “Now he is poised to lead ECI to become the global leader in AI-powered ERP and business management software for small and mid-sized businesses. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Trevor in his board capacity and thank him for his hugely successful tenure at the helm of ECI.”
Books originally joined ECI in 1999 and served as CEO from 2009 to 2021. Since leaving the CEO role, he has remained connected to ECI as a Special Advisor to its Board of Directors. Most recently, Books served as CEO of Net Health, a healthcare technology company, where he will continue to serve as Executive Chairman.
“ECI has been an important part of my life for nearly three decades, and I couldn’t be more excited to return as CEO,” said Books. “Trevor has done an exceptional job leading ECI through a period of tremendous growth and transformation, and I’m grateful for the foundation he and the team have built. I know this company, its customers and its people deeply, and my focus will be on building on that momentum as we continue investing in the technology that helps our customers run better businesses.”
As CEO, Books will continue to advance ECI’s existing strategy and investment priorities, including its focus on delivering AI-powered, cloud-based software that gives small and mid-sized businesses the technology they need to compete with far larger rivals. Gruenewald will remain actively involved in ECI’s strategic direction as a member of the Board of Directors and will work closely with Books and the leadership team through the transition.
ECI Software Solutions provides AI-powered, cloud-based business software for running small and mid-sized businesses end-to-end. Built by experts in manufacturing, building and construction, field service, and distribution industries, ECI’s industry-specific software connects businesses and customers, improving visibility, operational efficiency and profitability. With ECI, businesses seamlessly integrate sales and marketing, business intelligence, CRM, data and analytics, ecommerce, mobile apps and payment processing. With more than 30 years of industry leadership, ECI is trusted by 25,000 customers in more than 90 countries globally. Headquartered in Westlake, Texas, it has offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and Australia. For more information, visit www.ECIsolutions.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding ECI's strategy, future operations, product development, anticipated performance, and expected benefits of partnerships, appointments, or technology initiatives. Forward-looking statements are based on ECI's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. ECI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.
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