This week's London appointments

Suraj Bist, iMOVEHOME

Digital estate agency iMOVEHOME has appointed Suraj Bist as CTO.

Formerly a technical lead consultant with Morgan Stanley, Suraj has over 20 years of experience in investment banks and software consultancies.

Suraj brings to the role experience in delivering business critical solutions and hybrid software development models for global companies.

Commenting on his new role, Suraj said: “iMOVEHOME is leading the way in ‘property tech’, developing an online solution for today’s tech-savvy buyers and sellers that puts them in control of their house move.

“The company is going from strength to strength, becoming the UK’s fastest growing digital estate agency, but my job is to make sure they are constantly innovating and that the systems behind it are robust and responsive.”

Ross Garden, AML Group

Advertising agency AML Group has appointed Ross Garden to the role of creative director.

Formerly executive creative director (ECD) at Saatchi & Saatchi pro, Ross brings with him over 20 years of experience working with a range of brands including FT and PayPoint.

Prior to his role at Saatchi & Saatchi, Ross has worked at agencies such as Publicis, FCBi and Gyro.

Ian Henderson, ECD at AML Group commented: “Ross is an experienced creative with an impressive track record.

His ability to solve problems through exceptional creativity is directly in sync with our ethos of ‘simple ideas for complicated businesses’.

We’re excited to welcome Ross to the AML group family.“

Commenting on his new role Ross added: “AML Group is very clearly an agency on the move and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work on some great accounts and to be a part of the adventure.”

Jamie Mitchell and Gary Mann, Rare Restaurants

Rare Restaurants, owner of Gaucho and M Restaurants, has made two new appointments to its board.

Ex-CEO of Tom Dixon, Daylesford and Innocent Drinks Jamie Mitchell has been appointed as non-executive chairman and Gary Mann, Honest Burgers’ co-managing director and former CFO of Gaucho, has been appointed as non-executive director.

Over a 25 year career, Jamie has led the transformation and growth of a range of consumer brands. Most recently he opened London restaurant The Coal Office, the collaboration between British designer Tom Dixon and Israeli superstar Chef Assaf Granit.

Jamie is also chairman at Keatz.com, a family of delivery-only restaurant brands operated from ‘Cloud Kitchens’ across Europe.

Rare Restaurants CEO Martin Williams commented: “We are delighted that Jamie and Gary have joined the Rare Restaurants board; their sector expertise and vast brand experience will undoubtably help guide the company through its next ambitious chapter.”

John Davies, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has appointed John Davies to its new SME council.

John is the CEO of Just Cash Flow PLC, as well as chairman of the Association of Alternative Business Finance.

The CBI’s propositions and services manager commented:“ A concern for many SMEs’ especially in a post-Brexit world, is being able to access the finance to invest and grow.

“John Davies’ knowledge and expertise in this area will be welcome.”

John Davies says, “I am delighted to be joining the CBI SME Council and looking forward to working with the other members who bring a broad range of experience to the table.

“It is extremely important that politicians understand what is going on at the coal face and the real issues SMEs are having to contend with.

“One of the things I will be keen to bring to the table is the need for more education before someone sets up in business as I believe this would significantly increase the chances of new SMEs being successful.”

Anthony Capano, Rakuten Marketing

Digital advertising firm Rakuten Marketing has appointed Anthony Capano to international managing director.

In this newly created role, Anthony will cover all territories outside of the US and Japan, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Formerly the managing director of Asia-Pacific, Anthony launched Rakuten to the Australian market before being promoted to managing director of EMEA.

Rakuten Marketing CEO Nick Stamos commented: “As more of Rakuten Marketing’s EMEA clients expand operations overseas, this appointment allows for the international operations to unify under one leader.

“Anthony’s well-versed background, understanding of the e-commerce industry in the EMEA and APAC regions, coupled with the growth he has driven for both Rakuten Marketing and our clients over his 6 years with the business were recognised as perfectly suited to naturally progress Rakuten Marketing’s international business.”

Jonathan Roomer, Insurtech UK

Insurance technology alliance Insurtech UK has appointed Jonathan Roomer as a chairperson.

The co-founder of life insurance company yulife, Jonathan started his career as an entrepreneur, and joined KPMG as a senior adviser, providing advice in the life assurance sector.

While in this role, Jonathan completed an MBA at Imperial College Business School, where he is now a guest lecturer. Following his MBA, Jonathan joined the KPMG Tech Growth team as an early stage lead, providing contacts, guidance, advice and mentoring to companies.

Jonathan’s appointment comes as Insuretech UK announces that it has formally become an established trade association.

Commenting on the appointment, Jonathan said: “Insurtech UK is pioneering in its field, providing entrepreneurs and start-ups with crucial support that will help them to disrupt the insurance industry with breakthrough digital technology and first-class innovation.

“I am excited to champion the work of Insurtech UK, as we work together to improve insurance and risk management.”