Accelerating the most challenging programmes in UK and European Defence & Security

Xcelo was created to make a difference to the largest and most complex programmes which will need to deliver improved performance over the next decade and beyond.

What we do

Digital native acceleration partner for defence and security projects

The West’s Defence & Security enterprise, and its ability to ensure our continued safety and prosperity, is more vital now than at any time over the last 80 years. Governments and Industry are challenging everything they do to deliver more capability, carrying greater impact, as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

Xcelo brings deep subject matter expertise together with a rare combination of capabilities, powered by a digital-first approach, to shorten programme timescales and reduce risk. We can address whichever elements are holding back rapid progress (including organisational performance, change, programme management & controls, application of technology, engineering and supply chain).

We always work in partnership with our clients and share responsibility for outcomes whenever possible.

About Us

Leadership team

Tom Samuel

Managing Partner

Tom has a 30-year track record in supporting large Defence & Security programmes to deliver in demanding circumstances.

He previously founded the transformation and operational consultancy Harmonic Limited, establishing strong relationships with blue-chip clients as well as UK government before selling the business in 2021.

Tom is one of two founders of Xcelo, committed to building a company which can make a significant difference to the performance of our Defence Enterprise. He has a particular interest in how to organise and change clients to adopt different approaches which increase the speed of complex programmes.

Away from Industry, Tom chairs St Margaret’s Hospice. He is an avid cyclist, golfer and skier – all of which distract him from being a mostly disappointed Spurs supporter.
Cliff Green

Managing Partner

Cliff has over 30 years of maximising value in businesses. Cliff has largely worked in high growth businesses across Private and Public Sector, ranging from start-ups to larger corporates.

He specialises in leadership and building successful teams, operational scaling and efficiency, major deals and commercial innovation.

Cliff’s experience covers being in an executive team that grew a training business from £0m to £100m p.a. in 5 years. He then led a team in Capita (during its high growth phase) that won over £10bn worth of new contracts, acquired £1bn of new businesses and doubled their consultancy business in size over 5 years. He has worked in a wide range of sectors including central government, local government and the private sector.

He was the chief operating officer alongside at Harmonic where he led the doubling of profits over a 3 year period.

Cliff will play any sport, regardless of ability, but is currently focusing on improving his golf.
Rufus McNeil

Partner

Rufus is a highly experienced board adviser and change leader. He helps businesses understand, breakdown and deliver change in complex environments, with a particular focus on leadership approaches, people and communications.

Rufus has broad experience in both the public and private sectors, and at corporate and SME level. He has been on the Board of DHL Supply Chain in the UK, been the CEO and COO of Harmonic, a Defence consultancy and led Strategic Advisory for Frazer-Nash Consulting.

He has worked with leadership teams on programmes as diverse as nuclear submarines, the UK border and bioenergy. He has helped scale small businesses and established strategic customers to power rapid growth. He has also delivered two business integrations post-acquisition.

Away from work Rufus is an avid architecture fan who has built his own ‘Grand Design’ on the outskirts of Bristol.
Erik Else

Director

Erik is a digital transformation leader and technical programme management expert with over 13 years of experience delivering complex programmes in Defence and Security.

He has driven the creation of high-impact digital capabilities across Babcock, BAE Systems (Submarines), UK Government and MoD, helping organisations accelerate mission-critical outcomes.

Known for building high-performing teams and designing digital operating models that scale in demanding environments, Erik brings clarity, energy and direction to the most challenging programmes.

He lives on the south coast with his family and is a passionate sports enthusiast, especially when it involves adrenaline, like kitesurfing.