Brave Bison appoints Claire Hungate as CEO, says current trading in line

Digital media and social video business Brave Bison announced on Wednesday that it has appointed Claire Hungate as its chief executive officer as it said current trading is in line with management and market expectations.

Hungate joins the group from Warner Bros Television Production UK, where she is managing director. She was previously chief operating officer of AIM-listed Shed Media, seeing the company through its acquisition by Warner Bros in 2010, and before then was managing director of Wall to Wall, which was acquired by Shed Media in 2007.

Her prior roles in the industry include running the commercial operations of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, and as head of business affairs for production company and talent agency Princess Productions.

Chairman Robin Miller said: "Claire has an excellent track record in working in the UK creative industry, alongside her digital strategy experience of forming and developing relationships with companies such as Facebook and Google. This gives the board confidence that she can deliver strong and profitable growth."

Also on Wednesday, Brave Bison said it has decided not to proceed with a combination with Zinc Media following an approach in May, saying it would not be in the best interests of either company.

"Brave Bison continues on its strategy to grow as an independent business moving from a third-party technology provider to a social video broadcaster, developing new intellectual property and reducing reliance on low margin legacy business."

At 1250 BST, the shares were up 10% to 1.24p.