MON, JUNE 17 2019-theG&BJournal-Robert “Bob” Wigley the former Merrill Lynch banker and Chairman of UK Finance has joined the board of leading cyber tech company VST Enterprises Ltd (VSTE).
Wigley who will join the board as Chairman – effective today 17th June 2019 – will be responsible for overseeing the global growth and development of the Manchester based cyber security and consumer tech company. His role as Chairman will be to work closely alongside VSTE CEO and founder Louis-James Davis and will focus on developing the VSTE business with large corporates, Government organisations and the public sector.
Wigley – a twenty-five year veteran of the banking industry – is one of the city’s most influential and highly respected figures. Chairman of UK Finance (which represents over 250 UK financial services businesses) he is also a committed investor into growth businesses. Robert is an Honorary Fellow of Cambridge University’s Judge Business School & visiting Fellow of Oxford University’s Said Business School and a dedicated philanthropist.
VSTE which was formed and conceived in 2012 by former professional musician and pop star Louis-James Davis has developed a unique ground breaking coding technology – “VCode®” and “VPlatform®” – which he believes is set to become the cyber equivalent of human DNA science. The company – which is headquartered in Manchester, England and operational in over 16 countries – is already being viewed by industry insiders as one of the most exciting tech start up companies in recent years.
VCode® was awarded the EU Seal of Excellence for its anti-counterfeiting and end-to-end supply chain and traceability capabilities and has been commended by UK Prime Minister Theresa May. The technology provides a completely secure means of verification; information held within the VCode® can be set and tracked in real-time in the cloud-based tracking portal, VPlatform®. VSTE’s unique technology means it can be used in a wide range of business, financial and Government applications in every-day life.
VCode® can be used to provide ultra secure financial transactions, virtual mobile wallet payments as well as providing secure identification services and authentication. The technology is also being widely used in combatting counterfeiting, piracy and the exploitation of conflict minerals. Its wider commercial applications include the use of its technology in supply chain logistics, retail, distribution, sales promotion and marketing platforms.
Last year VSTE founder Hon. Louis-James Davis was named as the new Science and Technology Ambassador to the Zimbabwean Government by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The ambassadorship was granted at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and followed by a formal ceremony in the capital of Zimbabwe attended by Ministers and Government officials.
VSTE is providing technology to help with the economic recovery of Zimbabwe. VSTE will be implementing VCode® to tackle illegal mining, counterfeiting and issues with border control, as well as introducing identity cards and tax collection for informal businesses to provide life-changing benefits – such as new infrastructure, schools and a boost in the economy – for the entire population.
VSTE counts some of the biggest global brands and blue chip companies in its client base who are currently using its technology in their financial, security and IT systems infrastructure, as well as business marketing, promotion, sales and supply chain logistics. The company is actively working with the UK Government and a number of foreign Government organisations including those in law enforcement, military and defence providing technology services.
Commenting on his new appointment as Chairman of VSTE Robert “Bob” Wigley said;
“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chairman of VST Enterprises and working closely with its founder Louis-James Davis, Nicole Davis and the team to develop and share our vision. VSTE is a shining example of British technology and innovation at its best. Britain excels in this sector and has been a global leader in cyber technology from the earliest days of the codebreakers. Alan Turing was one of the greatest British pioneers and innovators of computer science and technology. Today the UK has some of the brightest and gifted minds like Louis-James who can follow in his footsteps and take those early advancements and technologies forward as we progress in the digital world. I am thrilled to be playing a part in this exciting future for VSTE.”
An investor and committed philanthropist with a prolific city career, Wigley was the former Chairman of Merrill Lynch for EMEA – Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Wigley was also a non Executive Director of Royal Mail and Chairman of its audit committee for three years, he was also a member of the Court of the Bank of England and of its risk policy and audit committees. Wigley was also a member of the International advisory board of British Airways and is a regular adviser to UK and foreign Governments, He is currently advising the UK Government on its public private partnerships through the Economic Crime Strategy Board. He recently supported the National Crime Agency’s launch of its Serious and Organised Crime Report alongside the NCA’s Director. Foreign governments and financial institutions he has advised include the Qatar Government and Finance Ministry on the Qatar Financial Centre whose audit committee he Chairs as well as the Sri Lankan Prime Minister in the creation of the Columbo Financial Centre. In 2017, Wigley advised Victoria Beckham on securing £30 million of equity to develop her fashion business as her acting Chairman.
Today he is committed to backing young entrepreneurs and growth businesses as an adviser, investor and incubator. A philanthropist and supporter of many charitable causes, Wigley is a lecturer and Visiting Fellow at both the acclaimed Oxford University Saïd Business school and an Honorary Fellow at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.
Commenting on the appointment VSTE Founder and CEO Louis-James Davis said;
“We are excited and honoured to have Robert “Bob” Wigley as Chairman of VST Enterprises. Bob brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and many years of experience in the financial services and business sectors. He is a highly respected entrepreneur, business adviser and veteran of the city. His vision to help support and grow incubator businesses is also vital to the UK’s economy. Bob’s knowledge of the financial services sector and his work as a Government advisor is unrivalled and will be a valuable asset to the growth and development of VSTE. Most importantly he also shares a passion for developing growth businesses in the tech world.”
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