TiPJAR appoints former Tesco executive Ben Hood as Chair and Michel Cassius as Non-Executive Director

TiPJAR, a platform focused on how hospitality operators collect, distribute and allocate tips and service charge, has announced two new board level appointments. The move follows its £4.5 million investment from YFM Equity Partners, announced last month.

New Chair, Ben Hood, brings decades of senior leadership and technology expertise, including over 10 years at Tesco before building software business, Fourth Hospitality.

He comments: “At its core, TiPJAR is about fairness and transparency. When teams understand how tips are distributed - and that they directly benefit from the service they deliver - it can change behaviour in a positive way. At the same time, operators are protected from a legislative perspective, which gives real peace of mind.”

“I’m very much people first, and as chair I will look to make sure, through the CEO, that the team is clear on where they’re heading and that every key decision moves them closer to the goal.  With YFM’s backing, we have the resources to accelerate and create real momentum. When you combine pace with alignment, great things can happen.”

Michel Cassius, meanwhile, has been added to the board as a Non-Executive Director. Cassius has held senior leadership roles at global technology giants such as Apple, Microsoft and EA, and has led consumer and software businesses including CEO at Michelin’s reservation tech arm, Bookatable, and CMO at employee engagement app, Blink.

He comments: “I am always impressed by entrepreneurs who have managed to find a very strong market-fit for their product or services. TiPJAR is one of those businesses. They have achieved a lot since their inception, their growth is impressive in the UK, and they have the ambition to become the platform of choice for tipping globally.” 

“With the recent investment from YFM, they now have the means to make bold decisions and moves that should put them on an even stronger growth trajectory. The team is not only energised and dedicated to the cause; they come with the sector experience that gives them the credibility and the resilience to get there. They are also a great bunch of people.”

Ben Thomas, CEO at TiPJAR, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben and Michel to our senior leadership team. Following our recent investment from YFM, we’re now focused on strengthening our business, expanding our product offering, and extending our reach into new territories - Ben and Michel joining us will be a significant support for that next phase of growth.”

“Both bring exceptional experience in technology, operations and scaling high growth businesses, and they’ve already made a great impression on our team. We’re excited to have them on board as we continue building the future of transparent, trustworthy tipping.” 

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Hospitality technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.