Australian-founded firm Splend has announced a series of senior hires, including Addison Lee’s former head of fleet operations Justin Patterson, as it relocates its international HQ to London.

Addison Lee’s former head of fleet operations Justin Patterson is one of a number of senior hires announced by newly relocated firm Splend

Founded in Sydney in 2015, Splend provides cars, training and analytics to on-demand drivers who work for companies such as Uber, and has now invested in a new HQ in London, backed a series of senior hires, including Patterson as UK country manager. David Moggs has been appointed as CTO, joining from Argos, whilst Gizem Akyil moves from Deliveroo to become Splend’s head of expansion.

As part of its UK launch, made in response to the burgeoning ride-sharing market, Splend has also introduced a London driver hub for 90,000 on-demand drivers.

The company has also partnered with London-based ‘insurtech’ Zego to insure its UK fleet, with the cover based on telematics and priced by the mile. Both companies will also share data, using insights on driver behaviour to promote safe driving.

Chris King, CEO and founder at Splend, commented: “Splend has grown quickly and established a reputation as innovators in the industry – and this is reflected in the high calibre of the staff that we’re attracting. The UK, which is home to over 250,000 ride-share drivers, is the ideal base for us to continue our global expansion. The investment we’ve made in the new HQ and driver hub marks a significant milestone in our journey to support ride-share drivers all around the world.”