Brainspark staff changes

Faced with changed market circumstances, and following disappointing year-end results, Brianspark has announced several changes within the company. Chief operating officer, Alwyn Welch, and chief financial officer, Mark Harford both leave the company.

The two roles will be combined and the position will be filled by Jasper Judd, a chartered accountant from Easyart, one of Brainspark’s portfolio companies. Welch and Harford have agreed to stay in the business over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth handover.

Meanwhile Don Caldwell of Cross Atlantic Partners has joined Brainspark as chairman. Caldwell has an extensive career in venture capital and is chairman and chief executive officer of Cross Atlantic Partners, the majority shareholder in Brainspark. He was former president and chief operating officer of Safeguard Scientifics Inc. He is also chairman of Crucible Corporation, a seed fund based in Ireland.

Andrew Hawkins has joined the board as an additional non-executive director. He brings experience gained from a career with several leading technology investment firms in the UK. He is currently a partner at Palamon Capital Partners.