James has been with the Company since February 2007 and has been working directly with the sales team. He is a proven sales professional with a depth of experience in leading, managing, developing and driving all aspects of client relationships and opportunities gained in the IT and Finance industries at major global institutions.

James joined the Company from ZAN Partners Limited, an independent wealth management firm, who assisted in the funding round of March 2007. His responsibilities at ZAN encompassed new business development and marketing which provided an excellent background to the Financial Markets.

From August 2004 to April 2006 he was Global Account Director at EMC Computer Systems (UK) Ltd, where he successfully managed a portfolio of Strategic Enterprise Accounts within the Financial Services and Media Sectors to ensure that all elements of the business relationship were maximized with a successful end result for both the client and EMC.

From June 2003 to August 2004 he was Business Development Director at Infonet UK Ltd. This role consisted of selling Infonet's core products into global multinational corporations, often responding to bid requests and interfacing with 'C-Level' executives.

Prior to this he was an Account Executive and Project Forward Sales Director at BT Plc Voice and Network Solutions (VNS).

In addition, at the Board meeting Neil Clayton, Finance Director, informed the Board that he was stepping down from Earthport to pursue other business interests and therefore would not be presenting himself for re-election at the Annual General Meeting later today.

Mike Harrison, Chairman of Earthport plc commented: "We are delighted to welcome James to the Board of Earthport. He has already proved his value to the Company through his strong leadership, organisation and communication skills. James is driving the sales effort in the Company with intelligence and energy, and I am confident that this will produce significant growth in revenue from new and existing customers.

"We would like to thank Neil for his contribution to the business over the last three years and wish him all the best in the future. In Neil's time with the business, the finance function at Earthport has become a professionally managed and well structured department and is well set for the future growth of the business. We are confident that with the combined talents of Financial Controller Asif Ali MBA, ACCA and his team, Head of Treasury and Compliance Brian Erskine MBA and the guidance of Non-Executive Director Colin Medway FCMA, ACIS we have no immediate requirement for a direct replacement for the post of Finance Director."