DiData has announced globalisation plans and a London Stock Exchange (LSE) listing on 19 July.

The company says under Ackerman's leadership the Global i-Commerce division aims to increase its contribution to the group's revenue from 15% to 40%.

Ackerman is leaving Airports Company SA shortly after it announced its intention to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, pending healthier market conditions.

Ackerman takes up the position of global MD: i-Commerce, and will work closely with Rob Taylor, DiData Group MD: i-Commerce.

Together with DiData's Network Services division, the i-Commerce business provides the channel and applications that enable organisations to interact with their customers in the new economy.

Taylor says e-commerce has come of age and must now be driven by experienced business people. "Dirk Ackerman, with his remarkable track record, most recently at the Airports Company, is the ideal person to ensure the acceleration of the global rollout of our i-Commerce offerings,” says Taylor.

Commenting on Ackerman's non-IT background, DiData's executive chairman Jeremy Ord says, "Like many members of Dimension Data's top management, Dirk joins the group from outside the IT industry. He has the proven management skills and a first-hand understanding of the challenges of the modern e-economy environment to drive our i-Commerce vision in the global arena."

"I've always been something of an unconventional entrepreneur and I believe this, combined with my management experience and appreciation of the role technology must play in today's business arena, will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the Group's future success," Ackerman concurs.

DiData is expecting to raise around $1.25 billion through the global offer.

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