Applied Systems names Graham Blackwell as CEO, Rhodes to transition out

Applied Systems  has named Graham Blackwell as its next chief executive officer, with current CEO Taylor Rhodes set to transition out over the next two quarters.

Blackwell, who currently serves as president, will officially assume the role ahead of the company’s Applied Net 2026 conference in September.

He has been with Applied since 2020, leading strategic growth, M&A, and corporate development, including acquisitions such as EZLynx, Planck, and Cytora, as well as the launch of Applied Pay and expansion into financial management and benefits.

Prior to Applied, Blackwell held roles at SMS Assist and spent nearly eight years at Bain Capital’s private equity operating team.