Former Head of Payments at Lloyds Banking Group, Simon Cadbury, has been appointed to the role of Head of Strategy and Innovation, while Jonathan Withers joins as Sales Director from Comarch.

David Webber, CEO of Intelligent Environments, said: "Our registered user base has grown 155% over the last two years but our next growth phase is emerging as being even bigger. These two senior hires play a pivotal role in realising our major growth in 2014 and beyond. Simon's deep expertise in payments and high level strategic development, coupled with Jonathan's demonstrable sales drive and international exposure, will ensure we are in the best position to capitalise on the opportunities in both new and existing markets."

Bringing more than 15 years' technology experience, including five years as Head of Payments, Strategy & New Technology at Lloyds Banking Group, Simon has been brought in to drive the firm's next stage of growth and international expansion. Along with former PayPal executive, Deborah Davis, who was recently appointed to the role of non-executive director at Intelligent Environments, Simon brings expert insight into the fast-moving payments industry and will lead the development of the firm's strategic roadmap. Having previously held business development roles at BT, BSkyB, Telstra and Vodafone, Simon also brings a wealth of experience in mobile contactless payments, person-to-person payments and reward programmes. His international expansion programme builds on the firm's current strategy which has seen it secure customers across Europe.

With more than 25 years' experience in the financial services software industry, Jonathan Withers joins Intelligent Environments as Sales Director and will lead the firm's expansion into new markets and international territories. Having worked with some of the largest financial services organisations in the UK and EMEA, Jonathan has held senior roles at Logica, Informix (IBM), Carreker/Fiserv and Zafin Labs. He will lead a large Sales & Account Management team to both deepen the existing client base and build new relationships across the financial services market whilst growing the business presence in new verticals.

Following the announcement of his appointment, Simon said: "Intelligent Environments is the financial services software industry's best kept secret, but not for long. Working with David Webber and the rest of the team, I look forward to using my insight and experience to grow the firm's reputation as the most innovative digital banking and payments partner in the sector."

Jonathan added: "With innovations such as the world's first smartwatch bank being rolled out and an exciting product roadmap, it's an exciting time to join Intelligent Environments. There's a big opportunity to grow the firm's footprint in the emerging digital banking and payments market, so I'm looking forward to using my sales experience to drive the company to its next level of growth."

In addition to his role at Intelligent Environments, Simon is a keen Chelsea FC supporter and recently took part in the Rat Race; dubbed the "largest assault course on earth" with 200 obstacles spread over a 20 mile course. Outside of work, Jonathan uses his sales and marketing experience to mentor a Lebanese entrepreneur as part of the Mowgli Foundation, an organisation that supports the sustainable development of societies in the Middle East through the mentoring of entrepreneurs and leaders.