Ex-MTX Group Australia CEO Ben Papps has been appointed as Executive General Manager and Investment Principal.

The role is responsible for the overall management of investments made in the digital and data industries and growth of in-house data and development capabilities.

Skafold Principal Adam Jacoby says the appointment is the next step in building a focused team to support and drive Skafold's mandate to create a unique end-to-end innovation ecosystem that nurtures and develops start-ups and supports founders.

"Ben joins the team at a crucial time when we are about scale up our activity, and his skill set and capabilities will be invaluable for what we want to achieve," Jacoby says.

"The digital and data sector is just one of a number of areas Skafold is looking to invest in, and as such, having a lead to oversee this strategy is vital.

"His experience in guiding teams and corporate strategy across large organisations and management consulting will also provide us with the insights and networks to uncover new opportunities."

Before MTX Group, Papps worked in executive roles with NBN, the Coles Group and as a management consultant with The Boston Consulting Group.

Papps says he is excited to join a new innovation and investment model that recognised the importance of delivering best and new practice services and start-up infrastructure to the industry.

"The digital and data space has continued to grow at an enormous rate, which makes investing in this area much more complex than ever before," Papps says.

"Having worked in management and strategy for a number of tech companies for many years has provided me the insights to assist Skafold accelerate this part of their business.

"I will also be responsible for managing a talented data team who will provide the expertise to build or develop new products as part of the investment strategy."