Fitch takes on ‘smart’expert

Fitch is looking to move into a product and service opportunity it has identified as “smart lifestyle”, with the appointment of Samsung European telecommunications manager Martin Clements. He is the latest in a series of recruits at the London office and joins the group on Monday.

Fitch marketing manager Zuilmah Wallis says Clements will oversee research and development in “areas such as mobile phones where interface and digital design meet product development”.

Clements joins director Jean-Louis Duclos, who was appointed last month to steer Fitch’s growth into the French market, and seven other new permanent designers taken on last month. A further six designers have been recruited on six-month contracts, bringing the group’s UK operation to 105. There are also plans to recruit up to ten more permanent designers in the coming weeks.

The appointments have resulted from buoyant business across the board, strengthening the group’s capability in graphics, interiors and retail, says Wallis. Fitch is about to secure bigger premises to house the increased workforce.