Finance Monthly April 2019 Edition

68 www.finance-monthly.com APPOINTMENTS From Around the World APPOINTMENTS Throughout her professional career, Ms Vaik participated as an expert in cross-border cooperation against organised crime in various international fora, committees, and organisations, inter alia the Council of Europe. In that role, she made a valuable contribution to fighting money laundering, financial crime and corruption, and she provided specialised training to prosecutors, judges and other judicial practitioners. Ms Vaik’s first position was Assistant Prosecutor at the Department of Financial Crimes of the Estonian Northern District Prosecutor’s Office; she was promoted to District Prosecutor in 2001. From 2003 - 2004, she served as a docent of general provisions on penal law at the Public Service Academy of Estonia. In the period 2005 - 2019, Ms Vaik occupied the position of State Prosecutor at the Prosecution Department of the Prosecutor’s General Office of Estonia, and subsequently at the Internal Control Department of the same institution. From 2008 to 2011, prior to her appointment as National Member for Estonia, Ms Vaik worked as a Seconded National Expert to the Estonian Desk at Eurojust. In the context of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2017, Ms Vaik joined the DROIPEN Working Party on Substantive Criminal Law, which works to align national provisions of substantive criminal law. In 2006 and 2013, she was one of the nominees for the title of ‘Prosecutor of the Year’ in Estonia. In 2011, she published an article on Problems and Perspectives of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Estonian judicial magazine Juridica. Ms Vaik graduated from the University of Tartu and obtained a Master’s Degree in Law in 2000. She also holds a Master’s Degree in public administration from Tallinn University of Technology. After her appointment to Eurojust, Ms Vaik said: ‘I am delighted to return to Eurojust as the new National Member for my country after my previous secondment to the Estonian Desk. It is a special honour for me to represent my country in an organisation that has contributed so much to fighting transnational organised crime and has a lot more to offer. I will dedicate all my experience and efforts to Eurojust’s goals and stronger cooperation with Member States and third countries. Only together can we target more criminals and better protect our fellow European citizens.’ New National Member for Estonia at Eurojust The GBBC Strengthens Board with Appointment of Alex Tai, Former Virgin Group Director of Special Projects and Founder of Zest The Agency The Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), an association for the blockchain ecosystem, has appointed Alex Tai, Founder and Chair of Zest The Agency, a fully integrated marketing and digital agency, to its board. In addition to his work with Zest The Agency, Alex also heads up Zest Innovations, a pioneering digital image, image mapping, and artificial intelligence consultancy that specialises in predictive image mapping. Alex began working for Virgin Atlantic in 1995 as a pilot; he was later promoted to Director of Special Projects for Virgin Group. He is an experienced venture capitalist and entrepreneur with a passion for aeronautics. The GBBC brings together innovative organisations and thought-leaders from over 40 countries to advance the understanding of blockchain technology amongst global regulators and business leaders. Alex’s appointment bolsters the GBBC’s ability to advise various industries on the successful incorporation and implementation of blockchain. Tomicah Tillemann, Chair of the Board of the GBBC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Board. With unparalleled business acumen and his first-hand experience for developing new and technologically innovative businesses lines, his addition to our board is highly welcome. As we ramp up the GBBC’s global initiatives, we are certain Alex’s expertise will strengthen our work on behalf of the global blockchain community.” Alex Tai said: “We are on the brink of great change with the advancement of blockchain and I look forward to joining the team and working across the GBBC’s network as it continues to galvanise various industries and countries in understanding and utilising blockchain technology to its fullest potential.” Alex’s appointment to GBBC’s board will be formalised at the next General Assembly meeting. Tosca Debt Capital (TDC) has appointed Stuart Thwaites as Investment Director. As Investment Director, Stuart will leverage his extensive financial due diligence experience throughout TDC’s growing deal opportunities pipeline to convert new transactions and will be working together with portfolio companies to execute strategic growth plans that drive wealth for shareholders and investors. He will also support Fund reporting to current and prospective investors. Prior to TDC, Stuart spent more than 20 years with EY, most recently as a senior due diligence professional in the North West, after relocating from London in 2006. During this time, he led a range of cross-sector transactions that supported regional SMEs, mid-market corporates, private equity houses and entrepreneurs. TDC Partner, Richard Williams, comments: “Stuart has exceptional deal-making credentials developed throughout his career and his experience will be a real asset to TDC as we continue to build our portfolio and turn our attention towards the raising of our Fund III. This will be our most ambitious fundraising target yet and will bring us a step closer towards achieving our vision of £1bn in funds under management. “Promoting from within is another major focus here at TDC and both Craig and Tom are outstanding talents. Their promotions reaffirm our commitment to regional economies by ensuring we attract and retain the expertise needed to support a growing number of ambitious management teams and investors, whilst delivering the same high levels of service to our existing portfolio.” TDC Strengthens Team with High-Profile Appointment