Board
Francis Ball - Executive Chairman
Francis was appointed to the board in February 2011 and became Executive Chairman in September 2011. He brings significant retail experience having been Managing Director of Costco Wholesale UK Ltd, Group Business Development Director of Littlewoods and Chairman of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors. He was previously at Marks and Spencer for thirteen years. Francis is currently Chairman of the technology firm, The Hub Company and design and marketing agency, Monitor Marketing.
Geoffrey O'Connell - Chief Executive, International
Geoff was appointed to the Board in April 2009 and has been General Manager of Hot Tuna (UK) Ltd European business since listing in 2005. He has overseen and managed a steady growth of UK and European businesses since 2005. He was instrumental in negotiating the Carlton Cold sponsorship agreement and oversees other European corporate partnerships.
Most recently he has overseen the restructure of the Australian operations in 2008 resulting in reduced costs and increased revenue for the region. He has substantial experience in the Australian and UK retail markets and global logistics which will assist the company in expanding across these regions. In August 2009, Geoff was appointed as Chief Executive.
Oscar Verden - Brand Director
Oscar joined Hot Tuna team in 2005 to head up the design and production team. Oscar brings with him a wealth of industry experience and creative resource gathered over 15 years. During that time Oscar has worked with some of the UK's and European major retailers.
Oscar's dynamism and keen sense of trends for new developments will continue to place Hot Tuna as one of the leading contemporary surf brands.
Marcus Yeoman - Non-Executive Director
Marcus is currently non-executive director of AIM listed Pivot Entertainment Group plc and Avisen plc. He is also a non-executive director of two PLUS quoted companies, as well as holding directorships of a number of private companies which have engaged him principally to assist them with their growth strategies. His early career started with the formation of three companies in IT infrastructure and distribution, after which he moved into small company broking and corporate work with Rathbone Stockbrokers Limited and Cheviot Capital (Nominees) Limited. In 1999, he led a management buy-in into a golf products company with external debt and equity funding. In 2003, Marcus established Springtime Consultants Ltd and has been acting as a consultant or non-executive director to smaller companies in the high growth sector. He has also assisted a number of quoted companies with M&A work.
Executive Team
Matthew Kelly - Group Financial Controller and Operations Manager
Matthew joined Hot Tuna in August of 2011. He is an Australian national and qualified accountant who brings to the team a decade of experience in private practice accounting and SME development. Matthew’s prior experience has seen him working alongside the Australian surf and retail industries for several years.
Matthew grew up on the east coast of Australia and was heavily influenced by Hot Tuna and Australian surf culture. He is excited to be involved with the brand and the continued growth of the company.