Infoserve Group PLC
bringing business to you
Board of Directors
Infoserve is led by a team with a great deal of commercial experience and entrepreneurial spirit. Highlighted below are some of these key people.
James Newman
Chairman
James Newman was appointed as Chairman in March 2006. He is also chairman of Straight plc, Brulines (Holdings) plc, bglobal plc and a Non-Executive Director of Dignity plc and Scott Wilson Group plc, as well as a Governor of Sheffield Hallam University. Previously he was Chairman of Waste Recycling Group plc until its takeover in July 2003 and a Non-Executive Director of Richmond Foods plc before its takeover in 2006. He was Deputy Chief Executive and, prior to that, Group Finance Director of Kelda Group plc from 1998 to 2002. James is a Chartered Accountant and member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
David Hood, OBE
Senior Non-Executive Director
Technology entrepreneur David Hood founded Shipley-based Pace Micro Technology plc and plotted the company’s growth through the 1980s and 1990s until its float in 1996. David also owns and operates Multiflight Limited, an aircraft charter, training and engineering company based at Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Steve Barnes
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Barnes joined Infoserve in January 2004. He has spent more than 30 years in sales and marketing roles for companies such as Cadbury Schweppes and Quaker Oats Limited, and held board positions at Toshiba (UK) Limited and Comet plc. Steve was formerly the Sales and Marketing Director at Pace Micro Technology plc.
Steve’s role is to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the company and to give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the company's philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives.
Derek Oliver
Operations Director
Derek Oliver founded Infoserve in October 1999. Derek has a technical background, and has held senior roles at Thorn EMI’s television and video group. More recently he led Pace Micro Technology Limited’s software engineering division.
Derek’s role involves planning, developing and implementing strategies for operational and technical development so as to meet agreed company performance plans within agreed budgets and timescales.
Andrew Thirkill
Non-Executive Director
Andrew Thirkill is a Non-Executive Director of the company. He is chairman of Age Partnership Limited, a financial services company specialising in the equity release sector, founder chairman and CEO of ATP Advertising and Marketing Limited, a full service agency covering new media, and Deputy Chairman of Harrogate Town AFC Limited. Andrew was previously a Director of Ultralase Limited, a provider of laser eye treatment in the UK.
David Balbi
Finance and Commercial Director
David spent five years at Ventura, commencing as Finance Manager of the business unit before moving to Commercial Manager where he was responsible for the Utility Division. David was part of the Executive Team that established the 1400-seat Dearne Valley contact centre. In his seven years at Kingston Communications, David held a range of board level roles in finance, and was latterly responsible for the wholesale and regional business divisions, helping to achieve consistent, above budget sales performance. David was additionally responsible for the introduction and implementation of a strict cost control culture.
David’s role involves providing sound financial advice to the directors and senior management of the company, and ensuring, in close co-operation with the board of directors, that an appropriate financial policy framework is in place to guide the company's financial decision making.