Ingenious, the media investment and advisory group, has announced the appointment of Neil Forster as Group Finance Director. Neil joins from one of the UK's most successful television production companies, Hat Trick Productions, where he also held the role of Group Finance Director. Neil assumes responsibility for the financial management and governance of Ingenious Media, and replaces Sue Ford, who is leaving to pursue other interests after nearly three years with the group.
Patrick McKenna, Chief Executive of Ingenious, said: ''As Chairman of Hat Trick I have known and worked with Neil for a number of years and I am delighted that he is joining Ingenious.''
Neil Forster said: ''I am delighted to join Ingenious Media at this exciting time in its development. I know the company well through my time at Hat Trick and look forward to working alongside Patrick and the Board at the heart of the media sector''.
About Ingenious
Ingenious, which was founded in 1998 by Patrick McKenna, former Chairman and CEO of the Really Useful Group, is a specialist media investment and advisory business with five businesses; Asset Management, Consulting, Corporate Finance, Investments and Ventures.
As the market leader in media investment and strategy, Ingenious provides the full range of services to companies in the media sector, from strategic and corporate finance advice to private equity funding, as well as providing innovative investment solutions for the private investor.
About Neil Forster
Neil was appointed Group Finance Director at Hat Trick Productions in 2004, following Hat Trick taking on private equity investment. In this period, Neil led a refinancing of the company developing strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, secured a premium price for the sale of the Group's investment in 12 Yard Productions to ITV plc and led investments in two new production entities, Plum Pictures and Toff Media. Neil remains a non executive director of Hat Trick Productions.
Prior to working at Hat Trick, Neil worked at Walt Disney, holding several different roles including that of head of finance for the sales division of Disney - ABC International Television.
Neil qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. Neil is married with three children and follows Liverpool FC.
For further information contact:
Jason Nisse/Paul French, Fishburn Hedges, 020 7839 4321