Nicholas Cumins became the first non-family CEO of Exton-based Bentley Systems in July and soon after decided to proceed with the acquisition of Philadelphia’s Cesium, writes Ryan Mulligan for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The move was intended as a “signature acquisition,” said Cumins, that would signal expansion plans he has for the infrastructure engineering software firm.

“The acquisition of Cesium sent a strong signal, which is that we’re making a strategic move here,” he said. “This is not about buying revenue growth. It’s about acquiring a technology, a platform, and an ecosystem which we think are very key for the infrastructure sectors going forward, and therefore for Bentley as well. So Cesium was a bit of a game-changer.”

The aim was to demonstrate that the new leadership is committed to the company’s long-term growth, investing strategically to support sustained expansion, including in Philadelphia.

“We definitely intend to not only keep Philadelphia, but to grow our presence in Philadelphia as the hub for us when it comes to some of our strongest tech talents, and as the location as well where we manage this very thriving ecosystem of developers,” said Cumins.

Read more about Nicholas Cumins’ planned impact for Bentley Systems in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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