Sir David Michels Joins Miroma Ventures as Chairman

LONDON, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Former M&S Deputy Chairman is Among Three New Company Appointments

Miroma Ventures has announced the appointment of Sir David Michels as chairman. He was formerly deputy chairman of Marks & Spencer and chief executive of the Hilton Group. Sir David will head up the board of directors at Miroma Ventures.

As part of the company's recent moves to strengthen its team, Miroma Ventures has also appointed Nancy Cruickshank and Paul Summers to its board, which includes Bernhard Glock, Mel Elias and chief executive Marc Boyan.

Rapidly expanding company Miroma Ventures was founded in 2003 with a specific focus on investments in the media, technology and consumer sectors. The company invests in businesses that operate together to bring greater value to the group's portfolio.

Since its founding, Miroma Ventures has aggressively expanded its portfolio, which now numbers over 20 companies.

Sir David believes that Miroma Ventures' approach represents an innovative change in the investment sector:

"Miroma Ventures has proved its ability to invest in high-growth companies led by enthusiastic, talented people, and the track record of growth enjoyed by the company confirms that they are doing something right. I was attracted to this role as it is both challenging and interesting, and in the position of chair I hope that my many years of experience will benefit Marc and all the Directors."

Founder and CEO of Miroma Ventures, Marc Boyan commented, "Miroma invests in fresh, enthusiastic talent which has helped drive our success. Like any rapidly expanding business, we also call upon solid experience to provide a strong foundation to help achieve our ambitions.

"Welcoming Sir David as Miroma Ventures chairman is a real achievement as his skills will not only help us accelerate our growth, but assist in our transition to a larger international network and investment group."

New board appointee Nancy Cruickshank is a serial entrepreneur and founder and CEO at MyShowcase, a revolutionary platform for the beauty consumer. She also founded e-commerce site Handbag.com and is a non-executive director at Telecity Group and Glam Media. Her previous roles were at CEW, BBH and The Telegraph Media Group.

Paul Summers joins the board as Chief Investment Officer. Paul will handle all aspects of Miroma Ventures' investments from helping to partner companies to create acquisitions with greater value, through to consulting on execution and strategic direction.

Miroma Ventures' companies have a combined turnover of over $200 million.

About Miroma 

Marc Boyan founded Miroma Ventures in 2003. The first company he set up was Miroma International, which is focused on the field of corporate media barter. Miroma International specialises in relationships with leading global brands, helping to enhance their media budgets and creating new distribution opportunities for their stock. Over the years, Miroma International has traded with a diverse range of commodities, including cars, hotel rooms, airline seats and energy, which it has sold on to businesses or consumers. Past clients include leading electronic brands through to leading car manufacturers, as well as the company media partners, which stretch across all media sectors.

From 2010, Miroma Ventures embarked upon its second phase of development. This involved investing and incubating businesses in the media, music and tech space, particularly those businesses that hold a unique consumer proposition and/or tap into the ever-changing world of content consumption. Deals within the Miroma Ventures portfolio so far include Social Media Platform Pinterest, Fitness Class Provider Class Pass, Online Beauty Community BeautyCon, Pop-up Shop Exchange Appear Here, Youth Culture Media Platform SBTV, E-Commerce Platform Grabble, Online Fashion Platform Who What Wear, Outdoor Advertising Company Outdoor Plus and Mobile Marketing Company Blis Media.

About Sir David Michels 

After a highly successful period at the helm of Hilton International, Sir David Michels was responsible for the successful sale of the group to HHC for £4 billion. As Chief Executive of Stakis PLC, he also oversaw the company's sale to Ladbrokes PLC for £1.2 billion. As well as helping secure the resurgence of Marks & Spencer in his role as Deputy Chairman, Sir David is also Chairman of London & Capital and President of the British Hospitality Association. He has also been a Director of Arcadia Plc, British Land Plc, Paramount Restaurants and RAB Capital.