News

Dubai, UAE

KERNO Enterprises, the Middle East’s first enterprise-class IT hardware manufacturer, announces a strategic leadership transition as the company moves into its next growth phase — expanding international partnerships, scaling local manufacturing, and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the UAE’s industrial and technological ambitions.

Following a landmark year of achievements—launching operations from scratch, securing initial customers, initiating groundbreaking projects, and establishing a full-cycle manufacturing facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is set to be operational by the end of 2025 — KERNO has attracted significant interest from global investors, who recognize its strategic role in the region’s industrial future.

As part of this evolution, Christopher R. Caswell, a seasoned global technology executive and investor, has acquired 100% of KERNO’s shares and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. Demetrio Russo, founder and former CEO, will oversee and secure the leadership transition. In this capacity, he will provide direct advisory support to Christopher, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment. Concurrently, Russo will begin focusing on launching his next entrepreneurial venture in the AI enterprise software sector, building on his passion for innovation and transformative technologies.

"Building KERNO from a blank page into a recognized pillar of the UAE’s industrial ecosystem has been one of the proudest achievements of my career," said Demetrio Russo.

Our vision was to create a world-class, locally anchored IT hardware company that empowers national champions and critical industries. Today, KERNO stands ready for its next phase of global growth, and I am proud to have led it through its foundation and early successes. With the company well-positioned for the future under Christopher’s leadership, I am now turning my focus to a new entrepreneurial journey—advancing the frontier of AI solutions, where the next major waves of innovation are emerging.

Christopher brings over two decades of experience leading technology enterprises on a global scale. Formerly Vice President for Sales at IBM.   He led multi-billion-dollar operations across key markets, including North America,  Europe, and the Middle East, focused on building trusted relationships with leading vendors, business partners, customers, and governments.

“KERNO’s progress is remarkable, not only for launching a company but also for establishing the foundations of a national industrial champion aligned with the UAE’s future vision,” said Christopher R. Caswell.

“I am honored to continue Demetrio’s legacy and to lead KERNO into its next era of growth. Together with the exceptional team Demetrio assembled, we will expand our customer base, strengthen our partnerships, and solidify KERNO’s role as a strategic contributor to the region’s technological leadership.”

This transition enhances KERNO’s capacity to scale operations, strengthen vendor alliances, and advance secure, resilient technology supply chains for the UAE and beyond.

I leave operational leadership with immense pride in what we’ve built — and even greater excitement for what lies ahead,” concluded Russo. “This is not just a transition, it’s a springboard for KERNO’s future, and for my next journey — shaping the future of AI innovation.