17 Jul 2012: Mobile marketing agency Sponge has appointed Jo Rabin as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the first significant appointment since publishing and marketing services group St Ives ploughed £1.5m into the business in March this year.

Rabin is a well known figure in the mobile industry and was previously CTO at dotMobi, Flirtomatic and Reuters Mobile. While at Reuters, he developed the first version of the news industry interchange standard, NewsML, and was responsible for the development of Reuters foreign exchange dealing system. Prior to this he helped start the UK’s first public electronic mail system, Telecom Gold.

“Jo is a respected mobile industry figure, having been working in the arena for the last 15 years,” said Dan Parker, CEO of Sponge. “His experience will allow us to continue to stretch what’s possible with mobile, giving brands and retailers the very latest and best technological and creative expertise.”

Rabin commented: “It’s taken some years, but things are now happening very rapidly with mobile – many are recognising how it can offer consumer choice and add a considerable revenue stream to their businesses. My team and I will respond to the challenges of brands and retailers, and help them achieve the best of what is possible with mobile. Very exciting projects are about to launch.”

Sponge is adding 12 new people to its team, and will announce more senior appointments in the coming weeks.