Manchester Digital, the trade body for the city, has named two new board members.
Rachel Tsang is Deputy Director for Digital Identity at the Government Digital Service, while Ben Davies is Group Marketing Director of Praetura Ventures.
The pair were nominated and voted in during its Annual General Meeting.
“Both Rachel and Ben bring with them very strong skill sets and multiple strengths to complement our existing board members, so we’re very pleased to welcome them to the board,” said Alison Ross, chair of Manchester Digital’s board and Chief People and Operations Director at Auto Trader.
“They’re both very committed to supporting and growing our tech and digital eco-system at a very exciting time for the tech industry. They will also give invaluable support to our wide programme of events and initiatives to grow diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, as well as shaping and influencing policy.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Tsang was a deputy director for GOV.UK at GDS, enabling support on a range of critical national priorities including Covid-19, and Brexit. She’s also worked in digital positions at HM Treasury, Department for Education, Ministry of Justice and Department for Work and Pensions.
“Manchester Digital plays a huge role in connecting different organisations, championing digital skills and tackling barriers to inclusion. As the sector continues to grow in the region, so does Manchester Digital’s significance and impact in these areas,” she said.
“Manchester Digital is a positive force for good and with so much growth and potential in Manchester, so it’s a privilege to join the board at this time.”
Davies oversees all aspects of Praetura’s marketing output and strategy, whilst also working closely with its portfolio companies.
“I’ve admired Manchester Digital for a long time and supported the team with events in a previous role,” he added.
“Having worked with similar organisations, Manchester Digital’s reputation within the public and private sector has always been exceptional and I’m looking forward to being part of the story. We want to support more Manchester breakout success stories and continue to bring the ecosystem together.”
They join the existing board, which includes:
- Alison Ross, Auto Trader (chair)
- Tom Amies-Cull, Dentsu Aegis (vice chair)
- Katie Gallagher, Manchester Digital (managing director)
- Shaun Fensom (secretary)
- Hilary Stephenson, Nexer Digital
- Paul Bason, Manchester Metropolitan University
- James Wilkinson, Zuto
