Ex-Future plc chief joins specialist retail investor True

Zillah Byng-Thorne, the former CEO of media and publishing firm Future, has joined specialist tech and retail investor True as operating partner.

Byng-Thorne has extensive experience in the digital, retail, and tech spheres and led the digital transformation of publisher Future which grew from a market capitalisation of £20 million in April 2014 to £2 billion in March 2023 via a wave of successful acquisitions including Blaze Publishing, NewBay Media, Purch, SmartBrief and TI Media.

Prior to Future, Byng-Thorne held executive positions at global tech and retail companies. She also served as CFO of Sage Group plc, the UK's largest software company, and held various finance positions at eBay, where she helped to drive the company's international expansion. She is currently Chair of Trustpilot, Chair of M&C Saatchi, and NED of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

True is a consumer-focused investment and innovation firm and has backed brands such as Hush, Frugi, Reskinned, Warpaint for Men and Boy Smells in the fashion and beauty spaces, as well as numerous tech and lifestyle businesses.

The arrival of Byng-Thorne will strengthen True's ability to add value to the businesses it backs, the investor said.

"We are thrilled to have Zillah join the True team," said Paul Cocker, CEO and co-founder of True. "It’s undoubtedly a difficult time for the consumer and tech sectors, but the current climate presents an exciting opportunity for the best businesses to emerge strongly in the next phase of the cycle. Zillah‘s vast experience will be hugely valuable in helping True and our existing and future portfolio companies capitalise on that opportunity.”

Byng-Thorne added: "I'm delighted to be joining True at such an exciting time for the firm and the industry. I believe that innovation is key to driving growth and creating value, particularly in today's rapidly changing business landscape – and this innovation will drive exciting investment opportunities over the coming years. I look forward to growing True’s existing businesses and working with the team to bring more future-facing consumer and tech businesses into the True community."