YFM Equity Partners (YFM) is continuing its focus on growth stage investment, particularly in the technology sector, with the appointment of venture capitalist and entrepreneur Victor Christou who takes up the new position of partner, head of growth, at the specialist small business investor that operates across the UK.

Victor began his career as an academic at the University of Oxford before launching a spin-off business, Opsys, in 1997 that pioneered OLED display technology. After selling the business in 2002, he founded Aborescent and then moved to Oxford Capital Partners in 2005 where he was a senior investment manager before joining Wellington Partners as a venture partner. In 2013 he joined Cambridge Innovation Capital, where he was CEO for almost four years.

As well as being a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Victor was also a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

At YFM, Victor takes on the newly-created role of head of growth, with overall responsibility for growth stage assets within the PE house’s existing investment portfolio. In this role, he will be seeking new opportunities for investment, especially into high-growth technology ventures in YFM’s growth capital focused VCTs. Based in the firm’s London office, Victor will work across the UK, supporting YFM’s investments into rapidly growing, regional businesses.

David Hall, managing director of YFM said: “Victor’s breadth, depth and wealth of experience through investing in and managing businesses across all stages of their growth journeys, coupled with a deep insight of investors’ needs, is a rare combination of skills. His ethos and approach are also a great fit with the YFM culture.

“Victor’s appointment reflects our continuing support for growth stage investment and further strengthens our technology venture experience. It’s great news for our team, our invested businesses and our investors that such an experienced venture capitalist and entrepreneur is joining YFM for the next phase of our development.”

Victor comments: “I was attracted to the role by YFM’s great reputation and its commitment to regional support. I believe there are exciting opportunities to take YFM’s offering to rapidly growing tech businesses across all regions of the UK. In this new role as head of growth and with my background in deep technology investing, this is a fantastic opportunity to use my experience to broaden the capabilities of the YFM team and really make a difference.

“I am particularly looking forward to working as part of such an inclusive and collaborative team with a strong and ethical culture and working alongside some passionate CEOs across the portfolio.”

YFM’s investment portfolio already includes a number of prominent software IT and telecoms businesses such as Manchester-based cloud integration technologies provider Matillion; data visualisation, reporting and analytics software provider Panintelligence in Leeds; e-learning software authoring platform Elucidat in Brighton; Traveltek in East Kilbride, a pioneer of travel technology solutions for travel agents and tour operators; and Arcus Global in Cambridge which provides cloud based software for the public sector.

YFM typically invests between £2m and £10m per transaction into businesses with strong growth potential located across the UK regions through YFM’s network of offices in London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

Greater Manchester based, REPIC, the largest household waste electrical and electronics equipment (WEEE) producer compliance scheme in the UK, has strengthened its leadership team to continue to drive and deliver services, performance and innovation across its producer compliance schemes with the appointment of two new senior executives.

Graeme Milne joins the Bury based compliance scheme in the role of Strategic Business Development Director and Mark Frakes FCA has recently joined as Finance Director.

Graeme brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role, including 17 years in the waste and recycling sector, across a broad spectrum of WEEE activity. Graeme joined REPIC from Katalyst Business Consulting which he founded in March 2016 following eight years as a key member of the Viridor senior executive where he led the commercial team with direct responsibility for sales, strategic planning and customer service. Prior to joining Viridor he held executive positions with WEEE specialists Shore Recycling.

As Finance Director, Mark brings with him over 15 years of experience from practice, manufacturing and consulting in a number of highly regulated industries. During his career, Mark has worked for a number of blue-chip companies in the UK and overseas, such as AstraZeneca, Sanofi and Pilkington Glass. Mark joined REPIC in June from Survitec Group where he was providing consultancy services, previously he was acting CFO for Brammer UK Ltd, part of the Rubix Group and Head of Finance for Sanofi’s Holmes Chapel site.

As key members of the REPIC Board both appointments will have an essential role in delivering REPIC’s approved strategic plans as well as supporting scheme members on future legislative developments and the impact on their businesses.

Louise Grantham, chief executive of REPIC, comments: “With Graeme’s extensive management experience within the waste management sector and Mark’s strong commercial acumen these two key appointments will, I’m sure, prove to be a huge asset to REPIC as we continue to contribute to the future development of producer responsibility legislation and deliver excellence in our compliance services to all our members.”

Pixel Kicks, the Manchester based full-service digital agency, has appointed Joe Citrine as its newest front-end web developer. Joe joins Pixel Kicks from IGOO in Liverpool where he worked for three years.

In his new role, Joe will be focussing on the building and maintenance of sites using React, JavaScript and WordPress for the agency’s diverse roster of clients which spans the property, technology, medical research, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Commenting on his new role Joe said: “I wanted my next move to deliver a portfolio of first-class clients and work. I’ve long admired Pixel Kick’s work so it seemed like a natural fit.”

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – added: “Despite how challenging the last few months have been, we are continuing to grow as a business so it’s great to be welcoming Joe to the team. He has some fantastic experience and I’m sure will add value to our offering.”