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Pufferfish kick off expansion plans for 2019

Posted: 7th December 2018

In anticipation of a transformative New Year and with 2019 fast approaching, there have been a lot of new faces appearing at Pufferfish HQ. Having successfully closed out the first phase of our on-going fundraising drive, we’re excited to welcome the additional talent to the team to support our growth and expansion into new markets and territories.

Further appointments and exciting times lie ahead as we execute our plans to build upon our first-class reputation for unique display and visualisation solutions in the global market.

This phase kicked off officially in October, when we secured a high-profile board appointment in the form of new chairman, former mLED CEO Seonaidh MacDonald. With over 25 years of executive management and board experience under his belt, Seonaidh notably led mLED’s hugely successful trade sale to the major U.S. social media player in 2016.

A key figure in the Scottish tech scene and owner of EOLAS (Advisory) Ltd, he has worked with international names such as IBM, AMP Inc. and Babcock International Group. Pufferfish Director and Par Equity partner, Paul Atkinson sees Seonaidh as positioned to be an ideal guiding hand as we grow to meet the ever-increasing demand for our products worldwide.

“Having known Seonaidh for his previous accomplishments, he has one of the best track records as a CEO and NXD in the tech sector, with the experience to support the development of Pufferfish – a great addition to the Pufferfish Team to take them forward to the next level.”

Seonaidh has already had a significant impact, with his infectious enthusiasm invigorating the team for the year ahead, “absolutely delighted to be coming on-board as Chairman of what I believe is another Scottish success story in the making. Pufferfish technology really does excite me and there’s so much more to come – watch this space!”

In addition to the new board appointment, three new high-profile collaborators join us in the form of the newly established Pufferfish advisory board. We’re delighted to welcome our esteemed new advisors who will serve to offer strategic advice, combining their myriad expertise to aid us in achieving our ambitious goals.

Charles Kennelly – As Chief Technology Officer of Esri UK, Charles is no stranger to Pufferfish. We have regularly partnered with Esri on development projects and integrations of their powerful mapping software. Esri is a giant in the world of geographic information systems and on a mission to unleash the potential of geospatial data in every industry. Charles has worked with Esri since 2001 and brings to the advisory board invaluable in-depth knowledge of present and future industry needs. He is now the co-owner of Esri UK. Best check on Linked IN

Donald Lawson – Former CEO of Faithful + Gould, Donald had responsibility for the management consultancy’s worldwide operations, over 2000 staff and a turnover in excess of £200m. Chairing their global leadership team in coordinating service delivery, and with experience in multiple sectors, he will be a trusted advisor to Pufferfish as we scale up our operation.

Ed Parsons – Ed is the Geospatial Technologist of Google, with responsibility for evangelising Google’s mission to organise the world’s information using geography.

With a strong foundation in academia, Ed made his mark as the Ordnance Survey’s first ever Chief Technology Officer, influencing the mapping agency to move the focus of the centuries-old organisation from mapping to Geographical Information. His future-focus approach will prove invaluable going forward.

Also, joining the Pufferfish team this autumn were Tom Frame, Head of Product, and new Office Manager, Fiona Murphy. Passionate about product, Tom joins Pufferfish after 3 years as Chief Technical Officer at Scotia UK. With over 20 years experience, he brings a wealth of expertise to Pufferfish as we accelerate our innovation roadmap, “I’m thrilled to be guiding Pufferfish though product development, to the next stage in its growth. Having achieved so much already, the global potential for the company and its incredible technology is immense.”

Meanwhile, the effortlessly organised Fiona comes to us from the world of finance. She has quickly adjusted to the fast pace at Pufferfish and is up for the challenge that comes with rapid expansion, “I’m looking forward to being part of this new chapter of the Pufferfish story.”

Completing the operational team with another appointment in December is Elvira Dmitrieva as Operations Manager. Elvira has over a decade of experience in applying her skills to SME growth.

Pufferfish technologies change the way in which we use, view and understand digital information. Watch this space as we drive forward with our vision to make digital real worldwide.

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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