In his new role, Stockwood will be responsible for the commercial development of the company's two UK internet dating and relationship businesses, Match.com and Udate.com, as well as the creation and management of new channels in the UK.

He has joined the company from online travel brand Travelocity where he was managing director of Travelocity Business EMEA. Stockwood created the department in 2006 when he brought together the First Option hotel reservations agency and travel management company Travelstore under the Business brand.

Before joining Travelocity, Stockwood spent five years with lastminute.com, most recently as the commercial director responsible for global flights and group procurement. He began his career at Trailfinders and Lufthansa Airlines.

Thomas Enraght-Moony, chief operating officer for Match.com, said: "Jason's entrepreneurial spirit combined with his unrivalled online experience make him the ideal leader to continue Match.com's success in the UK. I'm excited about having Jason as a colleague, collaborator and member of our formidable European team."

Match.com was launched in the US in 1995. Since then the company has grown internationally and in 2003, acquired UK based dating site, Udate.com. The company has more than 15 million members worldwide.