Flight search engine pioneer Skyscanner has recruited IT industry veteran John Nicholson as its chairman, bringing on board a wealth of commercial expertise as it builds the first search engine to cover every commercial flight in the world.

Nicholson has a strong track record in advising emerging and high-growth technology businesses, underpinned by more than 25 years international experience at a senior level in the information technology industry.

Skyscanner Chief Executive Gareth Williams said: “It is a real coup for us to get John Nicholson on board. He is a very dynamic and focussed individual with a strong global network, a deep understanding of the technology sector and invaluable experience of working successfully with high-growth companies.”

Nicholson, who is on the board of several leading-edge technology businesses, has worked in Europe, Australia and the United States. His previous posts include Vice President, Customer Relationship Management and Business Intelligence with Compaq.

For the last six years Nicholson has worked successfully with venture capital funds and investors to assist venture-backed companies. Skyscanner, which was founded in Scotland in 2003 by CEO Williams and fellow entrepreneurs Bonamy Grimes and Barry Smith, raised £2.5 million in venture capital backing from Scottish Equity Partners last November to execute its global growth strategy.

Nicholson commented: “Skyscanner is led by a fantastically capable team which has developed a highly innovative and valuable offering for consumers and the travel industry. With SEP on board as its backer, this is a very strong combination. I’m excited about this opportunity to help the company achieve its full potential.”

Nicholson is currently Chairman of Office-Shadow Ltd, an award-winning business continuity software provider. He is also Non-Executive Director of VirtenSys, innovators in IT solutions which improve data centre performance.