S&W appoints two independent non-executive directors

Stephane and Luke join the Board bringing deep experience of scaling organisations, advising complex businesses and supporting long-term value creation. Their appointments further broaden the range of expertise available to the Board.

Stephane has served as a Venture Partner at Index Ventures since 2020 and is also an executive advisor to Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV). Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has held a number of senior leadership positions across the technology sector.

From 2011 to 2019, Stephane was Chief Operating Officer of King Digital Entertainment, the creator of Candy Crush Saga, where he helped oversee a period of significant international growth. Prior to that, he served as CFO of Tideway Ltd and was a consultant with McKinsey & Co.

Luke Powell is Managing Partner of Macfarlanes and is currently serving his second three-year term in the role. He became a Partner in 2007 and previously co-headed Macfarlanes' Corporate and M&A practice.

Luke advises on complex transactions across financial services, asset management and private equity, including buyouts and secondary transactions. Under his leadership, Macfarlanes has delivered strong financial performance while continuing to invest in its long-term future.

Andrew Wilkes, CEO of S&W, said: “These Board appointments strengthen and enhance the breadth of skills and experience supporting S&W’s long-term ambitions. Stephane’s proven ability to build and scale high-growth international businesses, combined with Luke’s leadership within one of the UK’s leading law firms and his deep transactional expertise, will bring valuable strategic insight and perspective to Board discussions. Their guidance will be instrumental as we continue to deliver our long-term growth strategy.”