BGF-backed hedgehog lab has announced a series of promotions among its senior team, as the Newcastle-headquartered global product design consultancy continues to set itself up for ambitious growth over the next few years.
Joe Thompson, hedgehog lab’s chief technology officer (CTO), has joined the company’s board. Thompson has more than 25 years’ experience in the tech sector, and has been with hedgehog lab for the last two of them, having previously held senior roles at Xoomworks – part of global consultancy Accenture.
Ryan Scaife, previously hedgehog lab’s chief financial officer, has taken on an expanded role as the business’s new chief financial & operating officer (CFOO). He has been with hedgehog lab for more than three years, having previously held similar positions at Netsells and Epiphany Search.
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Aimé Watson Bachini has also been promoted to director of people, as hedgehog lab steps up its plans to grow its headcount in the months ahead. Aimé has been with hedgehog lab since 2020, leading on HR, talent acquisition, and the development of its unique culture.
The additions to hedgehog lab’s leadership team follow the appointment of Malcolm Seagrave as CEO and Julian Leighton as chair earlier this year, as well as further appointments in its growing public sector team.
hedgehog lab has plans to quintuple its revenue in the coming years after delivering 30% growth last year, supported by funding from investor BGF. It now has operations in Newcastle, Leeds, and Edinburgh – acquiring innovation consultancy Label Sessions in the Scottish capital in late 2025 – as well as engineering support teams in Romania and Bulgaria, with plans for expansion to other UK cities.
Seagrave said: “Our direction as a business has never been clearer. Last year’s execution of our strategy delivered strong results, and we’ve brought that same energy into the new year. These promotions recognise the leaders who are helping us scale what we do best – creating products that change businesses and transform lives. We are excited for the next phase of our journey with the exceptional team we have in place.”
