Remarkable Group's new data analytics agency Unify appoints Jon Pickles as chief exec

Former Kaptio and Travel Corporation technology and digital transformation specialist takes on new role to deliver on Remarkable Group's growth strategy 

Experienced travel technology executive Jon Pickles has been appointed chief executive of Unify, a data and analytics specialist in the Remarkable Group.

The digital agency, which helps clients make use their first party data to offer better customer experiences, is the latest to join the Remarkable Group of which customer experience and Sitecore partner Sagittarius is also part. 

Most recently, Pickles was chief operating officer at Icelandic travel technology specialist Kaptio and he has more than two decades’ of experience leading digital transformation at major travel companies.

While a global director at Contiki parent the Travel Corporation he oversaw the implementation of its first Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution by integrating the Salesforce CRM [Customer Relationship Management] and Informatica Cloud 360 solutions into the business.

Prior to that he established a CRM technology start-up delivering customer relationship and marketing solutions to the UK's big four in the travel sector: Thomas Cook, Tui, First Choice and Cosmos. 

Pickles was recognised by The Data 50 Awards as being at the forefront of data and also received the Saugatuck Technology Beacon Award in "Recognition of Outstanding Business Innovation" for the adoption of cloud technologies.

The Remarkable Group co-founder and chief executive, Nick Towers, said: “Unify is of strategic importance to our group, and our clients, as it allows us to fully immerse ourselves in data, analytics and CRM to better inform digital strategy and the customer experiences that all our consultancies help create. 

“Having Jon on board ensures that we can offer the best strategic advice from Unify’s inception. As we know from our own experience, Jon is second to none when it comes to data strategy, analytics and insights and importantly how brands can leverage this to drive competitive advantage and create seamless customer experiences.” 

Pickles added: “It's an incredibly exciting time to be joining the established Remarkable Group. It’s a privilege to be working with an exceptionally talented team of industry specialists in the DXP space, and to add to their portfolio of skills by bringing my CRM and data experience and industry knowledge to the group agency’s who are leading the way with innovative technology that’s able to completely transform digital experiences for ambitious brands." 

Unify says it “fills an important gap in digital transformation consultancy as CRM, ERP and Digital Experience Platforms become commonplace in forward thinking companies”. 

It services help clients to build on existing strategic partnerships with the likes of Salesforce and Microsoft, to tackles issues related to data and work practices being siloed.