We had an amazing response to our request for expressions of interest in joining the Wired Sussex board and we're thrilled to announce five new additions to the Wired Sussex board of non-executive directors. Our new directors will help us in our ambition to support the growth of a world-class digital, media and technology sector that is creative, passionate and inclusive, and the whole Wired Sussex team is looking forward to working with them.
Without a further ado, we would like to say a big welcome to:
Sophie has been working in the technology industry all her career. Starting as a coder, she has progressed through technology leadership roles for Sussex employers including Runtime Collective, Gatwick Airport and Clearleft, as well as a stint in Silicon Valley with Yahoo!
She is currently an Engineering Director at American Express, playing a key role in Amex's agile transformation and leading teams developing software for global commercial customers.
“I have been a member of the local digital community for over 20 years and was recently part of the Brighton Digital Festival steering group. I am delighted and honoured to be bringing my expertise and passion for the technology sector both large and small to the Wired Sussex board.”
David Amor, Director of MAG Interactive
David has worked in the video game sector since 1990, working at publishing heavyweights such as Electronic Arts before founding his own development studios in Brighton. At Relentless Software, he partnered with Sony to develop the BAFTA-winning, multi-million selling Buzz franchise, then moved with the market to create an iPhone game studio which was acquired by Stockholm-based MAG Interactive in 2015.
David's created and published over 100 games across every gaming platform and loves the creative and technical challenges each one brings.
"I'm a firm believer that companies work better when they work together, and Wired Sussex has a great track record of bringing companies and individuals together in meaningful ways. The video game industry in Brighton is thriving and I look forward to representing it at Wired Sussex."
Alice Reeves has worked in digital marketing and event management roles since 2009, with experience in higher education, the third sector, fast-paced startups, and agencies. In 2017, Alice left her role as Associate Social Media Director at Jellyfish and founded The Joyful Web, a digital marketing agency that works primarily with mission-led businesses. Alice is the author of the Truth & Tails children's book series which promotes diversity and inclusion. She is also the founder of The Belong Conversation, an initiative which gives people a platform to share their stories and create belonging.
Alice is passionate about helping organisations use their influence for positive social change, and about promoting a culture of well-being and heart-led working in the digital sector.
"I gain a huge sense of fulfilment from empowering my peers, connecting them with people and organisations who can support them, and being part of events that inspire people and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to feel confident and be successful. I'm looking forward to the opportunity this role with Wired Sussex will provide for me to make a real difference to fellow digital businesses in Brighton and beyond, and to positively influence the way we do business as a sector in the future."
Alex is CEO of Inzy, which he co-founded in 2017, to reimagine the way the world discovers, decides and buys online, using world-class conversational AI technology.
After an introduction to agency life in 1999, Alex went on to found Brighton-based digital agency Cubeworks in 2002, delivering high-profile projects for clients including Coca-Cola, NSPCC, Diabetes UK, National Crime Agency and University of Southampton. In 2013, Cubeworks was acquired by MBA, one of Econsultancy’s Top 100 UK agencies. In 2012, Alex founded Sponsorworks, the world’s leading cloud-based sponsorship management platform, used by global brands including Diageo, Aon, Hyundai, Unilever, Magners & RBS.
Alex is also an investor in and advisor to tech start-ups, focussing on B2C businesses with a strong purpose, unique technology and exceptional founder teams.
"Having seen Phil and the team doing such a sterling job supporting Brighton and Sussex's burgeoning digital sector and having benefitted as a Wired Sussex member business for many years, I am delighted to be joining the board to continue the great work."
Mariam has been the entrepreneurial driving force of the growth of many startups over the last 16 years. Her innovative technology management expertise lies in GIS, SAAS, Software, Mobile Design and Development. She was formerly co-founder and CEO of professional mapping tool FIND and has been appointed in executive board positions of many startups in the past.
Based in Brighton, Mariam works in the field of International Development for Every1Mobile on Digital Social Impact Solutions in sub-Saharan Africa countries, leading global multi-year contracts for clients including Unilever, DFID, USAID, Gates Foundation, the UN, the World bank, ONE, Mozilla Foundation and the EU. Mariam is also on the Advisory Board of Safe & the City, who use technology to keep streets safer using crime data and reporting on sexual street harassment.
“I believe Wired Sussex put Brighton and Sussex on the Digital map. Wired Sussex drives key activities that bolster Brighton’s economy and opportunities for growth. I look forward to joining the Wired Sussex Board as a Non-Executive Director to ensure we create an inclusive centre of excellence that attracts and maintains the very best digital talent here.”
They’ll be joining current board members: Alex Morrison (Chair of Wired Sussex and Managing Director of Cogapp), Phil Jones (Managing Director, Wired Sussex), Lars Hyland (Director, Totara Learning), Mark Bedser (Director, Madgex), Jenni Lloyd (Chair, Brighton Digital Festival), Jeremy Spiller (Managing Director, White Hat Media), Jason Woodford (CEO, SiteVisibility) and Juliet Tzabar (Managing Director, Plug-in Media).
You can find out more about our board of directors here.