ISLE of Man based Rivington Street Holdings (RSH) has appointed Michelle Lees as its group chief operating officer.

Ms Lees will be based in Douglas and will take specific responsibility for compliance and the growth of JPJShare.com, RSH's low cost execution only broker.

Additionally, she will work as a director of Rivington Street Ventures (RSV), the group's acquisitions arm.

Ms Lees joins RSH following the recent announcement of the group's record interim results and will start her post on May 16.

She was previously the director of operations and head of compliance at investment company Laxey Partners and is a former business manager for a leading offshore fund administrator.

She began her career within investment banking in London, and later Frankfurt, as a product accountant for Merrill Lynch specialising in fixed income and equity derivatives.

RSH's shareholders will have their first opportunity to meet Ms Lees on Tuesday (May 10) at the Palace Hotel, Douglas, from 5.30pm, where she will introduce RSH's chief executive officer Tom Winnifrith who will be delivering his thoughts on how to make money investing over the next 12 months.

Chairman of RSH Jim Mellon said: "I am very pleased to announce Michelle's appointment, as we look to strengthen our operating units going forward and build on the very successful start to the year we have had.

"Michelle will play a key role in managing and growing our existing businesses allowing our CEO, Tom Winnfrith, to concentrate on fund management, acquisitions and writing.

"We now have an exceptionally strong structure in place to continue the group's success."

Ms Lees said: "I look forward to joining the team at Rivington Street Holdings at what is a very exciting time for the group."