Leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions Verteda Ltd has strengthened its European team by appointing Stephen Mcardle as Business Development Director focused on Sports & Entertainment clients.
The former Strategic Sales Director at Worldpay has ten years’ experience working at the forefront of the Payments industry.
“Stephen has an outstanding track record and we’re delighted that Verteda clients will benefit from his passion and energy,” says Matthew Prosser, Sales Director, Verteda.
“His sports business skills and 360-degree view will help our Sport, Leisure and Entertainment clients to identify and capitalise on new operational and commercial opportunities, and find new ways to solve the challenges they face.”
With a brief to deliver “truly innovative solutions” and in particular bringing Point of Sale and Payments technology together, Stephen has already helped sector-specific businesses to enhance the customer experience and increase revenues.
“For me, it’s about how well you’re connecting with the heart-beat of the customer. My job is to make those connections,” he says.
“That means new ways to build engagement, increase yields and grow loyalty through data-driven insights. I’ve worked at a highly strategic level in restaurants, hospitality and stadia but I’m also a fan, with a passion for football, rugby and horse racing. So I share a common network and outlook with the businesses that can benefit from Verteda solutions.”
Having worked direct with stadia, arena and venues, including clubs, as well as delivering technology and services to caterers and foodservice providers, Stephen says, “I’m in an ideal position to understand what all parties are looking for in their relationships with each other and with customers and fans.
“Verteda is trusted in this sector, and I knew it was a dynamic business. Like me, Verteda is all about adding value and bringing innovation, so it’s a perfect fit.
“It’s an exciting time in the industry. We’ve seen the impact of Point of Sale on operations and the customer experience and, more recently, Cashless and Contactless payments.
“The industry is catching up with Retailers, with Payments the key to link it all together: Food & Beverages, Hospitality, Ticketing, Merchandising, and more. My vision is to bring commonality across those business areas and solutions, to deliver new insights and capabilities, and make greater use of mobile and venue wi-fi investments.
“We want to help venues track and report on the customer journey at every touchpoint, developing loyalty-based services and creating new sales opportunities that improve the fan experience, increase engagement and drive repeat business. That’s what venues and fans want – and I believe Verteda is best-placed to deliver it.”
