Management Team

Richard Hollingsworth, Managing Director

Richard joined IFIS in 2010 as an experienced professional in the information industry with a background in the successful development and management of international organisations. Richard has previously been Chief Development Officer of Emerald Group Publishing Ltd, Vice President Sales & Marketing, EMEA at CSA (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts). Earlier in his career he worked for ProQuest as Director of Sales, Asia Pacific. He has lived and worked in both Malaysia and Japan.

Sue Hill, Head of Editorial & Production

Sue has been with IFIS since 1988, having initially joined as an abstractor working on the FSTA database and is now responsible for editorial content across FSTA. Sue has a first degree in Microbiology and a PhD in Bacterial Genetics; she has previously worked for the Institute of Food Research, the University of Oxford and the University of Reading, specialising in molecular genetics.

Etienne Vandewalle, Head of Marketing & Product Development

After more than 12 years with Wolters Kluwer between France and the United Kingdom, most recently as Head of Products and Services Development at Croner, Etienne joined IFIS in early 2011 and is responsible for marketing and product development. With an MBA from Lancaster University Management School, Etienne is an information industry professional with specific expertise in strategic planning, product development and software development.

René Schölzel, Head of Sales & Business Development

René is responsible for global sales and business development at IFIS. René joined IFIS in 2011 after 5 years with Emerald Group Publishing where he has held senior sales positions, most recently as Head of Sales Operations. Academically, he holds an MA in Management from Bradford University School of Management. René is a German national and has lived in the UK since 2003.

Catherine Haines, Head of IT

Catherine joined IFIS in 1996, after working on database applications at Warwickshire County Council. Initially employed to work on the development of the in-house production system for FSTA, Catherine became Head of IT in 2006. Her responsibilities cover everything from supporting the production and distribution systems of FSTA to ensuring that the network, servers and desktops are running smoothly.

Maria Severino, Head of Finance

Maria has been with IFIS since 2001, initially as Accountant and more recently as Head of Finance where her duties cover all aspects of financial control and management. A full member of the Association of Accounting Technician (FMAAT), Maria has previously worked for CSL, Avco Trust, Guardian Royal Exchange and BT in various financial roles.