EAST of England International (EEI), the organisation that helps businesses export and assists foreign-owned companies to set up in the region, has announced that Nigel Hobday has joined the organisation as an investor development manager specialising in the ICT and food and drink sectors.

EAST of England International (EEI), the organisation that helps businesses export and assists foreign-owned companies to set up in the region, has announced that Nigel Hobday has joined the organisation as an investor development manager specialising in the ICT and food and drink sectors.

Mr Hobday, from Barton in Cambridgeshire, has a background in engineering, and brings extensive industry experience to his role at EEI. He began his career as a graduate engineer with GEC-Plessey before joining Cambridge Consultants where he worked across sectors including telecoms, med-tech, general industrial, software and semiconductors. Subsequently, he joined Arthur D Little as director of the Technology Practice before moving on to lead Sagentia's Business Consulting operation where he gained experience in the Energy and Food and Drink sectors. He then became managing director of Applied Value based in London, which consults in cost and capital efficiency across a number of industries. As well as technology and innovation management, he also has experience in venture capital and private equity.

EEI Chief Executive, David Riches said: “I am pleased to welcome Nigel and his vast experience to the EEI team. He will be a great asset to EEI as well as to companies who are looking to invest or expand in the region.”

Mr Hobday: “In this challenging economic climate, I am delighted to join EEI to use my accumulated skills and experience to really help regional businesses.”