# Stormburst Studios appoints Karl Drage as Chairman Author: Pal Sinha, Barnali Author URL: https://financedigest.com/author/pal-sinha-barnali Published: 2017-05-18 Category: NEWS Category URL: https://financedigest.com/category/news Meta Title: Stormburst Studios Appoints New Non-Executive Chairman Karl Meta Description: Join us in welcoming technology entrepreneur Karl Drage as he brings his expertise to support Stormburst Studios in scaling and achieving its strategic goals. URL: https://financedigest.com/stormburst-studios-appoints-karl-drage-as-chairmanhtml ![undefined](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cm5qst7v3003gwirgwqtxn8i8/images/karl-dragechair-of-stormbu-1736843851999-compressed.jpg) A Birmingham-based developer of game-inspired software for businesses has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chairman. Technology entrepreneur Karl Drage will support the senior management team at [Stormburst Studios](http://link.email.dynect.net/link.php?DynEngagement=true&H=s8mq%2BFF8Y8J%2F7%2FXrLp5ygdcwMPrxjsUdQBMch4EEnHhpCCjF3%2FNlfOJp7xGrgBFn4YJ%2FB7MHczALTNqavKWYYErWZtG6UpqLcF9bh4xHDwuot%2FVK8jnjbQ%3D%3D&G=0&R=http%3A%2F%2Fstormburststudios.co.uk%2F&I=20170517080804.00000001dd2c%40mail6-34-usnbn1&X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjU5MWI4YmVhMjZjNzhiMmEyMjViYTA5ODs%3D&S=qLj4lHfa0SfFRA-Hctm8HrYATINYIZMqi5PyMrdaZYQ) as the company continues to scale. Karl will provide key commercial and sales expertise, and support with the development and execution of the company’s strategic plan. Karl is currently CEO of Smart Renewable Heat and has recently enjoyed Non-Executive Director roles with BA Hydro Solutions and DIWAH Jewellery. He has over 25 years of experience in business leadership and the [technology sector](https://www.financedigest.com/why-trust-and-technology-are-the-perfect-partnership-to-rebuild-the-financial-sector.html "Why trust and technology are the perfect partnership to rebuild the financial sector"). The business has also made strong commercial progress having brought on-board Sheridan Maine Ltd as a [paying customer for Stormburst product](https://www.financedigest.com/flexible-pay-can-boost-low-productivity-in-the-uk.html "Flexible pay can boost low productivity in the UK"), One Up Sales. Stormburst secured £150,000 of seed funding from early-stage technology investor [Mercia Fund Management](http://link.email.dynect.net/link.php?DynEngagement=true&H=s8mq%2BFF8Y8J%2F7%2FXrLp5ygdcwMPrxjsUdQBMch4EEnHhpCCjF3%2FNlfOJp7xGrgBFn4YJ%2FB7MHczALTNqavKWYYErWZtG6UpqLcF9bh4xHDwuot%2FVK8jnjbQ%3D%3D&G=0&R=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.merciafund.co.uk&I=20170517080804.00000001dd2c%40mail6-34-usnbn1&X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjU5MWI4YmVhMjZjNzhiMmEyMjViYTA5ODs%3D&S=iLgeGlU20UuPX4fYrzXKNOP9kLdNqALrAuCQnOhyz8g) in January 2017 and has since focused on product development, building customer relationships and bolstering their core team. Jamie Rodden, Managing Director of Sheridan Maine, said: _“One Up Sales has proven to be a fantastic tool to both monitor and motivate our team. Comparing the same period [last year](https://www.financedigest.com/crypto-investors-step-up-risk-management-after-last-years-meltdowns.html "Crypto investors step up risk management after last year’s meltdowns") without One Up Sales, I am left in no doubt that the product has had a positive impact on our performance.”_ The start-up was founded in 2014 by CEO Derry Holt and CTO James Heath, graduates from Leicester’s De Montfort University who both have [development experience in the games](https://www.financedigest.com/sony-to-buy-mobile-game-developer-in-push-beyond-consoles.html "Sony to buy mobile game developer in push beyond consoles") industry. Commenting on his new role, Karl Drage said: _“The potential for gamification techniques to increase employee engagement and team collaboration is extremely significant. Presenting real time business [systems data](https://www.financedigest.com/interoperability-of-data-to-accelerate-the-whole-slide-imaging-systems-market.html "Interoperability of data to accelerate the Whole Slide Imaging Systems Market") analytics and enabling employees to “keep score” in a meaningful and motivational manner is exciting and compelling. Derry and James have assembled an impressive team, and I am enthused by the prospect of joining them.”_ Chris Kilroy, Investment [Associate at Mercia Fund](https://www.financedigest.com/white-bullets-collaboration-with-polands-sygnal-association-significantly-reduces-ad-funded-piracy-in-key-european-market.html "White Bullet’s collaboration with Poland’s Sygnał Association significantly reduces ad-funded piracy in key European market") Management, said: _“We are delighted that Stormburst Studios has [appointed Karl to help drive](https://www.financedigest.com/tmwi-appointed-by-zeiss-vision-care-to-drive-integrated-paid-social-campaigns.html "tmwi appointed by ZEISS Vision Care to drive integrated paid social campaigns") forward the company. Serious gaming and gamification is a key focus area for Mercia and with Karl’s impressive strategic experience and expertise, he will be a great asset to the [team as they continue to thrive in this growing](https://www.financedigest.com/the-digital-voice-adtech-pr-agency-grows-team-by-eight.html "The Digital Voice Adtech PR Agency Grows Team By Eight") sector.”_ --- This blog is powered by Superblog. Visit https://superblog.ai to know more. ---