Meet the Voltimum Team

Margaret Fitzsimons- Managing Director

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Margaret has been the key to Voltimum UK & Ireland’s success.

In 2001, after twenty years of working in marketing for Blue Chip construction companies, Margaret was recruited by Voltimum founder, Bruno Hamon. Upon accepting the offer to establish a leading electrical industry web portal for the UK, Margaret had to start from scratch. From recruiting staff to selling the concept to the market, Margaret stood strong and proud and made Voltimum UK the successful enterprise it is today.

Margaret is more than just an industry saavy businesswoman, however. Along with her degree in International Marketing and Language, she speaks four languages, plays field hockey, and throws a mean dinner party. And somehow in between work, sport, and entertaining, Margaret is a wonderful mum to three darling boys.

James Hunt - Managing Editor

Living in his hometown of Brighton, England, James is no stranger to the electrical industry.

Before delving into the exciting world of journalism, James graduated with an HND in Mechanical Engineering and then worked as a mechanical engineer for Ricardo Consulting Engineers. Opportunity knocked in 1982, when his friend/colleague left engineering to write for a business to business publication, influencing James to cross over into journalism as well. He then landed an Assistant Editor position for Reed Business Publication’s Engineering Material and Design. Swapping his slide rule for a notepad and pen, James accepted the position and has been writing ever since.

James has worked as an editor for many electrical industry publications, including Quality Today, Electrical Products, Panel Building, Electrical Wholesaling, Fast, and Product Finishing.

James joined Voltimum team in 2003, taking on the role of Managing Editor. Along with being Voltimum’s technical information guru, James works as an editor for Wired In and freelances for other industry publications.

Somehow in between his busy roles as editor, freelancer, husband and father, James makes room for extreme sports. He is an avid mountain climber, conquering giants such as Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas, and the Andes, plus he races motorcycles! And when he’s not working hard or playing hard, James spends his down-time dabbling in the art of painting.

Christopher Reeve - Marketing Manager

This born and bred Norwich lad may be new to Voltimum, but not to marketing. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Diploma of Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Christopher has built up a wealth of industry knowledge.

He then put his studies to use while working as a Marketing Manager for audio conferencing products at BT. Here is where Christopher first delved into corporate social responsibility, making his mark through audio, video and web conferencing.

This experience with corporate energy efficiency then led to a position as Marketing Manager for The Carbon Trust.

Outside of work, Christopher is a big fan of football, rooting for his hometown team, Norwich City. When he can find some time in his busy schedule, Christopher enjoys hitting the slopes for some skiing. Christopher also has a hidden talent. Beyond juggling business and sport, he can just plain juggle.

Daniel Isenberg - Portal Content Manager

In August 2004, after completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Studies, this Swedish computer whiz moved to London to pursue a post-graduate degree.

Shortly after graduating in late 2005 with a Masters in Hypermedia Studies, Daniel joined the Voltimum team. He eventually worked his way up from Multi-media Executive to Portal Content Manager.

When he has a chance to switch over from the portal universe to the social universe, Daniel spins things around…quite literally. By nightfall, Daniel swaps his laptop for turntables, DJing everything from Led Zepplin to Helicopter.

Francoise Snobel - Journalist

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Francoise (a.k.a. “Frankie”) joined the Voltimum team in March 2007. Despite graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Frankie moved forward professionally with her creative pursuits.

Establishing herself as a writer, Frankie has successfully worked in everything from reviewing bars and restaurants to writing for television. She also recently authored a piece of children’s literature, called That’s Disgusting. Prior to joining the Voltimum team, Frankie was working in Hawaii as a newspaper journalist.

Being in front of the camera for VoltiTV has brought Frankie back to the small screen. She starred in two series of Game Attics, a Canadian video game review sit-com and hosted Basketball City, a basketball and urban culture program.

Aside from work, Frankie is an avid traveller and big fan of scuba diving. She has explored over sixteen countries and looks forward to tackling the rest of Europe now that she’s just a “cheap airline ride away”. In her spare time, Frankie enjoys rollerblading, power-shopping, CSI marathons, and meeting up for “cuppas” with her Essex-based family.

Christelle Belaouinat - Marketing Assistant

Born and raised in Paris, France, Christelle packed her bags and headed for London when offered a position at Voltimum in January 2007.

Her diverse range of academic pursuits led to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Masters Degree in Marketing.

Shortly after her studies, Christelle worked as a Marketing Assistant for a leading petrol firm. She then moved to Barcelona when offered a position at a communications agency.

In her free time, Christelle enjoys taking full advantage of London’s vibrant city life. She enjoys dancing, cinema, and being social with her friends.

Raymond Coppinger - Web Development Manager

Growing up in County Cork, Ireland, Raymond has always been interested in computers and the internet.

After graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Information Systems, Raymond found employment as a Software Consultant for a telecoms company. He then combined his passion for the web with his love of rugby, working as a Development Officer for the Game of Rugby Union in South Ireland.

Raymond then furthered his education, returning to university to complete a Masters Degree in Multi-Media Technology.

With work experience and a post-graduate degree in hand, it only made sense for Raymond to join up with Voltimum’s industry leading web portal. He joined the Voltimum team in August 2006.

In his spare time, Raymond enjoys “all things to do with the sea”, including fishing, snorkelling, and kayaking. Raymond also likes long walks along the countryside (when he can escape the hubbub of London, of course!), reading and spending quality time with his family.