Ariel Communications Ltd, a financial trading software company based in Hemel Hempstead, UK, is pleased to announce that Simon Cox has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer. Phil Martin, Head of Product, will assume Simon’s former role as Chief Operating Officer. Julian Costly, former joint CEO of E*TRADE UK, has joined the board as Non-Executive Director. The new appointments signify a major change in the company’s approach to the market, brand, product and service offering. Simon Cox replaces Angus Clacher, who resigned as CEO in March, 2013. Simon, Phil and Julian’s appointments have been thoroughly welcomed by the company’s shareholders, senior management team, and customers.
The company has already undertaken work to re-position, re-brand, review all internal processes, and made good progress along its new product roadmap. The company has also established a major strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific region. Simon started his career in IT as a support specialist before moving into key account management. He joined Ariel in 2007 having spent over 14 years in project and account management including establishing the Business Services department for Petards Limited. Simon has been involved in major projects such as the completion of the British Library, the city-wide CCTV network for the Metropolitan Police Service and the roll-out of ICT across the Metropolitan Police Service traffic fleet.
He has an MBA from the University of Leicester. Philip has over 11 years’ experience managing people, projects, products, and businesses. He spent four years with the Laurel Pub Company before joining the City Credit Capital brokerage house as an Assistant Project Manager. Philip went on to become the Business/Project Development Manager. His role encompassed product management, business development, marketing and product training. Phil joined Ariel in 2010 where the company has leveraged his detailed knowledge of online derivatives trading as Head of Product. Julian Costley has held many senior roles in the financial services sectors. He was the CEO of stockbroking firm E*TRADE UK.
Earlier in his career Julian played a key role at Thomson Reuters defining their equities product strategy in the lead up to ‘big bang’ before becoming an overseas country manager. Having held leading roles within BSkyB, France Telecom, and BT, Julian offers a wealth of skills and experience on which Ariel can draw as it moves forward. Julian is a mentor, course judge and visiting lecturer at London Business School and at Oxford University (Said Business School). ENDS