Liberata appoints Owen Barry as Chief Executive Officer
Liberata has appointed Owen Barry as its new Chief Executive Officer. Owen will join the business on 1 September 2026, succeeding Charlie Bruin, who steps down on 31 July 2026 after 10 years as CEO and 22 years with the company.
The appointment follows a period of sustained client growth and continued investment across the business, as Liberata moves into its next phase of development.
About Owen Barry
Owen brings significant experience in public services, client partnerships, commercial delivery and complex operational environments. He joins from Capita, where he led their Justice, Central Government and Transport businesses. He has a strong focus on service delivery, client relationships, leading collaborative teams, and growing businesses.
Owen Barry said:
“I am delighted to be joining Liberata and look forward to working with colleagues, clients and partners across the business. Liberata has a strong track record in delivering important services for the public sector, and I am excited by the opportunity to support its continued development.
I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of the business, building on the strong foundations that are already in place and delivering high-quality services to our clients.”
A planned leadership transition
Charlie Bruin will continue to lead Liberata through July, with transition arrangements in place to support continuity for clients, colleagues and partners. During August, Dolph Westerbos, Group CEO of Brexa International, will provide interim leadership until Owen joins in September. Client delivery teams and current service arrangements remain unchanged as part of the transition.
What this means for clients
Liberata’s focus remains on delivering for clients and maintaining continuity across its services. Existing client teams, service arrangements and current commitments remain in place as the leadership transition is managed.
Dolph Westerbos said:
“Charlie has made an exceptional contribution to Liberata over more than two decades, including 10 years as Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the business has continued to deliver critical services for clients, build long-standing relationships and support important public services across the UK. On behalf of Brexa International, I want to thank Charlie for his commitment, integrity and leadership, and wish him every success for the future.
I am also pleased to welcome Owen Barry as Liberata’s next Chief Executive Officer. Owen brings highly relevant experience in public services, client delivery, commercial performance and leading complex organisations. I am confident he will work closely with colleagues and clients as Liberata moves through its next phase.”
Charlie Bruin said:
“It has been a privilege to lead Liberata and to work with so many talented colleagues and valued clients over the years. I am proud of the work we do, the services we deliver and the part Liberata plays in supporting public services across the UK.
I want to thank colleagues, clients and partners for their support throughout my time with the business. I wish Liberata, its colleagues and its clients every success for the future.”
Liberata will continue to focus on delivering for clients, supporting colleagues and strengthening the services it provides across its markets.
For more information, contact info@liberata.com.
