Steve Latham: Thirty-Six Years of Innovation and Stewardship 

For 36 years, Steve Latham has been a steady force at MAJIQ, and later as Portfolio Leader overseeing Perseus’ manufacturing businesses. This article celebrates his career and people-first leadership as he heads towards retirement.  

From a Commodore PET to Pulp & Paper 

Steve knew early what he wanted to do. After teaching himself to code on a Commodore PET in the late 1970s, he studied computer science at Washington State University, then started his career at Boeing in 1985. In 1989, he joined MAJIQ as employee #26, writing large-scale systems for pulp and paper mills and supporting customers around the world. 

By 1996, Steve moved into a leadership role as MAGIQ grew, though he continued to write code on the side. “Thrown in the deep end,” as he puts it, he earned his “MBA” by learning on the job. Within a few years, he was leading a team of more than twenty developers; an early glimpse of the steady, people-first leadership style that would define his career. 

Leading Through Change 

MAJIQ’s ownership changed twice during Steve’s tenure. The company was acquired by Tieto in 2002, where Steve became COO and later President. During that period, the company’s identity began to fade within the larger organization. 

That changed in 2010, when Perseus acquired MAJIQ. “The day we announced we could be called MAJIQ again, the whole room cheered,” Steve recalls. “Perseus valued MAJIQ for who we were. They didn’t want to change our DNA; they wanted to preserve what made us great and build on it.” 

Since then, MAJIQ has stayed intentionally lean in North America while expanding its global footprint. The brand found its footing again, the team found its rhythm, and customers found renewed confidence in a home built to last.  

Early Days at Perseus Group  

Becoming part of Perseus Group opened new doors for Steve and his team. He credits two things that helped shape their next chapter. 

First, there is the peer network they gained. “There’s always someone to call to help you solve a problem. You have to be an active participant, but the ideas travel fast when you are.” 

Second, there is the long-term mindset. “Customers in capital-intensive industries want to know you’ll be here in 20 years. With Perseus’ buy-and-hold model, we could look them in the eye and confidently communicate that we would remain the same team, with the same mission for years to come.”  

Leadership Philosophy  

When you ask Steve what he hopes people remember about his leadership, he talks about how work should feel. 

He’s always aimed to make MAJIQ a place where careers could be stable, rewarding, and fun—in that order. “You want people to have a career that lasts, that challenges them, and that they actually enjoy showing up for.” 

His leadership approach followed the same logic. “Give people room to do great work. Be clear and give direction, but not on every detail. Set the what, let them find the how,” he says. “And when things go wrong, take the heat. That’s your job.” 

Above all, he believes in high standards. “Don’t settle for average. You want to be the Cadillac, not the Chevy.” 

Passing the Torch 

Steve’s role evolved again in 2014 when he became a Portfolio Manager. He stepped back from the day-to-day operations of MAJIQ and began building the broader Perseus MES portfolio. 

That shift created space for the next generation of leadership at MAJIQ. David Pawelke, who already held roles across training, projects, sales, and operations, stepped in to lead the business as General Manager.  

“Industry knowledge matters in vertical software,” Steve says. “David cares deeply about customers and outcomes. He knows our products and the industry inside and out. He was the obvious choice.” 

With Steve’s long-planned transition underway, Kanchan Java, previously the VP of the MES portfolio will step into the Portfolio Manager role, ensuring continuity for both MAJIQ and the portfolio.  

The Next Chapter  

In retirement, Steve’s looking forward to golf, time at the gym, and travelling with his wife, Amy. With both of their kids grown, they’re ready to explore on their own schedule. “Retirement is being in charge of your own time,” he says with a grin. “One boss, Amy, instead of two.” 

He’ll stay connected to the community he helped shape by catching up with former colleagues, joining the occasional MAJIQ get-together, and maybe making a guest appearance at a future event or two. 

Thank you for everything, Steve, and cheers to your next chapter!  

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