High flying City banker takes on role at Manchester tech firm

Robert Wigley

A former City banker has joined the board of a fast-growing cyber security company.

Robert Wigley, a former Merrill Lynch banker and current chairman of UK Finance, has joined the board of Manchester based VST Enterprises.

Mr Wigley who will join the board as chairman will be responsible for overseeing the global growth and development of the firm.

His role as chairman will be to work closely alongside VSTE CEO and founder Louis-James Davis and will focus on developing the VSTE business with large corporates, Government organisations and the public sector.

The veteran of the banking industry is one of The City’s most influential and highly respected figures.

Chairman of UK Finance – which represents over 250 UK financial services businesses – he is also a committed investor into growth businesses.

VSTE which was formed and conceived in 2012 by former professional musician and pop star Louis-James Davis.

The firm has developed a unique ground breaking coding technology – “VCode” and “VPlatform” – which Louis believes is set to become the cyber equivalent of human DNA science.

The company – which is operational in over 16 countries – is already being viewed by industry insiders as one of the most exciting tech start up companies in recent years.

VSTE’s unique technology means it can be used in a wide range of business, financial and Government applications in everyday life.

VCode can be used to provide ultra secure financial transactions, virtual mobile wallet payments as well as providing secure identification services and authentication.

The technology is also being widely used in combating counterfeiting, piracy and the exploitation of conflict minerals. Its wider commercial applications include the use of its technology in supply chain logistics, retail, distribution, sales promotion and marketing platforms.

VSTE counts some of the biggest global brands and blue chip companies in its client base who are currently using its technology in their financial, security and IT systems infrastructure, as well as business marketing, promotion, sales and supply chain logistics.

The company is actively working with the Government and a number of foreign Government organisations including those in law enforcement, military and defence sectors.

Robert Wigley said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chairman of VST Enterprises and working closely with its founder Louis-James Davis, Nicole Davis and the team to develop and share our vision.

“VSTE is a shining example of British technology and innovation at its best. Britain excels in this sector and has been a global leader in cyber technology from the earliest days of the codebreakers.

“Alan Turing was one of the greatest British pioneers and innovators of computer science and technology.

“Today the UK has some of the brightest and gifted minds like Louis-James who can follow in his footsteps and take those early advancements and technologies forward as we progress in the digital world. I am thrilled to be playing a part in this exciting future for VSTE.”

An investor and committed philanthropist with a prolific city career, Wigley was the former chairman of Merrill Lynch for EMEA – Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

He was also a non-executive director of Royal Mail and chairman of its audit committee for three years, he was also a member of the Court of the Bank of England and of its risk policy and audit committees.

Mr Wigley was also a member of the International advisory board of British Airways and is a regular adviser to UK and foreign Governments,

In 2017, Wigley advised Victoria Beckham on securing £30m of equity to develop her fashion business as her acting chairman.

Today he is committed to backing young entrepreneurs and growth businesses as an adviser, investor and incubator.

Louis-James Davis

VSTE Founder and CEO Louis-James Davis said; “We are excited and honoured to have Robert “Bob” Wigley as Chairman of VST Enterprises.

“Bob brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and many years of experience in the financial services and business sectors. He is a highly respected entrepreneur, business adviser and veteran of the city.

“His vision to help support and grow incubator businesses is also vital to the UK’s economy. Bob’s knowledge of the financial services sector and his work as a Government advisor is unrivalled and will be a valuable asset to the growth and development of VSTE.

“Most importantly he also shares a passion for developing growth businesses in the tech world.”

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