Technology

Posted on September 3, 2018 by staff

‘Maverick’ FTSE 250 CEO joins podcasting platform

Technology

A serial tech entrepreneur and the former boss of data centre operator Telecity Group has joined global podcasting platform Audioboom.

AIM-listed Audioboom has appointed Michael Tobin OBE as non-executive chairman with immediate effect, replacing Malcolm Wall who is stepping down after three and a half years.

As the former ‘maverick’ chief executive of Telecity Group, he grew the company from a market capitalisation of £6 million to £1.6 billion at the time of his departure.

After stepping down from his role at Telecity Group PLC in 2014, Tobin turned his attention to supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and leaders in the digital and technology space.

The 54-year-old received The Order of the British Empire from Her Majesty the Queen for Services to the Digital Economy in 2014 and is now on multiple technology company boards across four continents, including chairman of AIM-listed BigBlu Broadband plc.

“These are very exciting and dynamic times for Audioboom and the wider podcast industry,” said Audioboom chief executive Robert Proctor.

“As such I would like to wholeheartedly thank Malcolm Wall, our outgoing chairman, who has done a remarkable job of steering the company through its early years on AIM – his help and advice has been invaluable.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome our new chairman, Michael Tobin OBE. Michael has had a stellar career within the technology and creative sector, leading companies to billion dollar valuations.

“Mike’s experience and knowledge, especially regarding revenue generation and growth via M&A, will be invaluable to Audioboom as we seek to grow within the highly fragmented podcast market.”

Audioboom has also appointed Brad Clarke, the company’s chief financial officer, to the board with immediate effect.

Clarke joined the group in March 2018 and has extensive experience working in finance in the media industry, having previously worked at fellow AIM-listed company Brave Bison Group plc, where he was group finance director.

Clarke previously worked for News UK for over five years progressing through roles in Internal Audit, Group Reporting and latterly being the Financial Controller of the Handpicked Collection.

Audioboom hosts over 14,000 content channels, with key content partners including Associated Press, The BBC, “No Such Thing As A Fish” and “The Totally Football Show”.