UKFast has named the former managing director of Manchester Airport Group’s technology division as its new chief marketing officer. Nolan Hough, who spent more than 10 years at Manchester Airport, is the first appointment to the hosting provider’s board since it completed its investment deal with Inflexion Private Equity at the end of 2018.
Under Hough’s leadership, MAG-O developed technology to optimise every aspect of the digital customer journey at the group’s three airports. He oversaw exponential growth at the division,which grew from four staff members to 175 within three years.
At UKFast, Hough will be responsible for the company’s in-house team of marketeers, event managers, designers, video producers and communications specialists. He is also tasked with building new agile development teams to design and deliver new product innovations.
In a statement, Hough noted, “I had been asked to show a Silicon Valley tech accelerator the best of Manchester’s tech scene and Atul Bansal of Sheila Bird Group said you have to meet [CEO] Lawrence Jones and see the UKFast campus.
“I have always believed you have to search out the best in the market in everything you try to do. Not to copy, but to get inspired and raise the bar. When Lawrence showed me around the campus I was hugely excited about the opportunity.
“UKFast builds everything in-house, not just the products and software, but literally everything, right down to the office design. When Lawrence unveiled the recording studio with its brand colours and Neve desk, with my background in sound engineering and passion for music, I had to be part of it.
“I spent five years at Sennheiser after completing a sound engineering degree and I’ve never met anyone who shared my connection with creativity and marketing to this level.”
UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones MBE added, “Nolan adds an interesting dynamic to the board and brings with him a wealth of experience. He understands the technical aspects of marketing and has a very successful track record.
“Couple that with his passion for creativity and I’ve every confidence he’s going to make a huge difference.”
