LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skrill Holdings, operating one of the world’s largest independent e-wallet platforms on the Internet under the Moneybookers brand, announces the appointment of Bob Wigley as Non-Executive Chairman with immediate effect. Skrill is majority owned by Investcorp Technology Partners and operates one of Europe's largest online payments systems with over fifteen million account holders, offering its 80,000 registered online merchants access to over 100 payment options in over 200 countries and territories through just one integration.
Bob Wigley is Chairman of Yell Group PLC, eXpansys PLC, and Stonehaven Associates LLP. Bob was until January 2009 Chairman of Merrill Lynch Europe. He previously held a number of senior corporate and investment banking positions within both Merrill Lynch where he was Global Head of Telecommunications, Media and Technology and, before that, with Morgan Grenfell. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Nikolai Riesenkampff, Co-CEO of Skrill Holdings, said:
“Skrill is at a very exciting stage of its development, being in a sweet spot of rapid global growth in e-commerce, the mobile Internet and digital payment. Since inception the business has consistently delivered rapid growth in account holders, merchant numbers, revenues and profitability.”
Martin Ott, Co-CEO of Skrill Holdings, said:
“I am delighted that Bob will be joining the business as Chairman. He has a wealth of experience in the technology and financial sectors and his extensive business acumen and advisory track record will be extremely valuable to Skrill as we continue to grow the business.”
Bob Wigley, Non-Executive Chairman of Skrill Holdings, added:
“Skrill has an experienced management team with a strong track record of successful execution. It has a clear strategy in place and is strongly positioned to capture its growth opportunities. I am delighted to be joining the company and supporting it through its next phase of development.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Bob Wigley
Bob Wigley is Chairman of Yell Group PLC, eXpansys PLC, Stonehaven Associates LLP and is an investor and entrepreneur. He is an investor in several technology, property, restaurant, medical equipment and brand merchandise businesses and on the Advisory Board of the venture capital firm Bluegem LLP and is the European Financial Services Operating partner of the venture capital firm Advent International. Bob has recently Chaired the Green Investment Bank Commission for George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was Chairman of Merrill Lynch Europe until January 2009 when it was taken over by Bank of America and has held numerous roles at the bank.
About Skrill
Skrill Holdings operates Moneybookers.com, one of Europe's largest online payments systems and among the world's largest independent e-wallet providers with over fifteen million account holders. This simple e-wallet enables any customer to make online payments conveniently and securely without revealing personal financial data, as well as send and receive money transfers cost-effectively simply by using an email address. Moneybookers' worldwide payment network offers businesses access to over 100 payment options in over 200 countries and territories through just one integration.
Founded in 2001, Moneybookers was the first e-money issuer to become authorised and regulated by the FSA. In 2007, Investcorp Technology Partners undertook the buyout of Moneybookers from its founders. Today more than 80,000 merchants are registered with Moneybookers.com, including global partners such as eBay.com, Skype and Thomas Cook.
In February 2010 The Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 league table ranked Moneybookers as the Number 1 fastest growing, private equity-backed firm in the UK based on profits.