Jack Ostrowski – Founder & Managing Director
Before founding Yellow Octopus Limited he gained a work experience in
sales and marketing with major blue chip companies 3M and Pfizer both in
the UK and Poland.
MSc in International Enterprise awarded with merit from Leeds Metropolitan University. He is currently enrolled on a 3 year Owner President Management Program at HARVARD Business School.
In 2009 Jack was named, by prestigious Growing Business Magazine, as one of the Top 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Britain.
This year Jack has been invited to be part of StartUp Britain, an initiative designed to celebrate, inspire and accelerate enterprise in the UK. This campaign has the full backing of Prime Minister and his Government. Yellow Octopus' growth is quoted as one of the Inspiring Stories.
His personal interest includes history of business ventures and biographies of entrepreneurs and political leaders. He is also fanatical about Motorsports and Formula 1 in particular. While watching Grand Prix races Jack gets very excited and his blood pressure is well above the recommended one…
David Thornton – Financial Director
A Chartered accountant with over 30 years experience. Initially he worked for KPMG for almost 20 years - dealing mainly with owner managed businesses. Following this David worked in general practice with two local firms including 7 years as a partner. His specialism was advising directors in owner managed businesses, with a turnover of up to £20 million, on all financial matters together with strategic planning.
In his leisure time he is an avid sports fan particularly golf and rugby league - playing golf to a handicap of 18 and supporting Bradford Bulls both home and away. The first is good for his overall health. The second being 'anything but' given their performances over the last couple of years although he says it is a good safety valve for getting rid of pent up emotions. We think he enjoys shouting at the referee…
Maya Ostrowska – Business Development Director
MSc in Economics awarded with distinction as Top Student of the Year. Past work experiences in Managerial Positions in Retail, Commercial Design Projects and FMCG Marketing in companies including DANONE and Sopexa.
Maya develops and supervises the implementation of new market entry strategies. She works in close cooperation with UK Trade & Investment and other export supporting institutions both in the UK and abroad. She also heads the Yellow Octopus Foundation.
She is passionate about running and does 4 miles every day. Yes, every day… Maya also likes to relax by playing piano and experiencing ultimate women treat – weekend shopping trips. She can shop till she drops….but due to her running endurance she is usually going strong at closing time...