Companies based across the North West have confirmed a number of top hires and promotions over the last seven days.
The likes of AO and Salford City, who are owned by the 'Class of 92', are among those who have made major announcements.
Below, BusinessLive rounds up the latest hires and promotions that we feel you should not miss.
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Salford City
Nicky Butt has replaced former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville as the chief executive of Salford City.
Mr Butt has taken up the role as of November 1 while Mr Neville will remain on the board as co-owner. However, he will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the League Two club.
The club are co-owned by Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Singaporean businessman Peter Lim.
AspinallVerdi
Property regeneration consultants AspinallVerdi has hired Davies Jiva as a development surveyor in the firm's Liverpool office.
Mr Davies joins the practice with a BSc in land economy from the University of Malawi and is also a graduate of MSc in real estate from Liverpool John Moores University.
Director Andy Delaney said: "Davies is an outstanding example of a young and ambitious property professional, already boasting invaluable experience of key disciplines including property valuation, investment, management and development. We were particularly impressed with his determination to secure a career in England.
"It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to appoint a colleague from Malawi, so we look forward to learning about and benefiting from Davies’ international perspective on property."
Campfire
Manchester-based marketing agency Campfire has hired Jennifer Barber as head of insights.
She joins from THG where she was senior social and insights manager for its Myprotein brand.
She said: "I’ve loved watching the work Campfire has produced with some amazing brands so I was really keen to be a part of an agency that truly cares about doing what is right by the client and creating incredible, social-first content.
"Understanding the consumer, looking at wider cultural shifts and spotting trending moments is what I absolutely love doing so I can’t wait to do that for some of the best brands in the UK."
The appointment comes after Campfire hired account director Jade Hadden and influencer director Shaun Dickson in July.
BCN Group
Manchester-based IT cloud and managed services company BCN Group has appointed Mark Braund as its new non-executive chairman.
Mr Braund is also chair of Livingstone Group, NFS Technology Group, Parity Group Plc and React Group Plc.
Prior to setting up his own advisory practice, Mr Braund was CEO of RedstoneConnect Plc.
He said: "I’m excited and humbled to take on this role at BCN Group. Tech services is an industry which so many businesses rely on, and the sector will only grow with technological advances.
"2022 is an exciting time to be joining the board, with the company having received investment earlier this year, and most recently completing the acquisition of Evo-Soft, strengthening the company’s portfolio.
"I’m excited to offer my knowledge and experience to the team, as the company enters its next phase of growth, and I am looking forward to seeing what’s in store for BCN in the coming years."
Baltic Creative CIC
Baltic Creative CIC has appointed Lynn Haime as its new chief executive.
She was previously a partner and head of the Liverpool office at Matthews & Goodman LLP.
She will oversee the management and development of Baltic Creative, including its 118,000 sq ft of space in the Baltic Triangle area.
Lynn Haime said: "I’m really excited to join the team at Baltic Creative. We have some great projects and partnerships underway that will help us expand to the next level and stay at the forefront of cutting-edge creative spaces.
"I look forward to supporting and evolving Baltic Creative's community with the Board and management team."
Thermatic Technical FM
Salford-based Thermatic Technical FM has appointed Jack Prady as its new managing director.
He previously held the position of operations director for Vinci Facilities. Prior to that he was the account director working with Shell Retail UK.
Mr Prady said: "I see something unique, the opportunity to add my expertise and leadership style to what is already a well-established business with strong foundations presents an incredible opportunity.
"The future of Thermatic is extremely exciting. My overarching aim for Thermatic is to realise its full potential, there is a long list that sits below the phrase 'potential' but in its simplest form, we want to develop our people, ensure Thermatic is recognised as a great place to work and ensure we over deliver for our customers, everything else broadly will be a biproduct of achieving the magic three."
Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers
Two new team members have recently joined the medical negligence department at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers in Oldham.
Karen Kenyon, has moved into the medical negligence department while Joedanna Neild also joins the team working alongside the solicitors as a paralegal.
Head of clinical negligence Jacqueline White said: "It’s lovely to have two such different members join the department.
"Joedanna is right at the very start of her legal career and Karen brings with her a wealth of experience, amazing client care and a fresh steer to the department.
"Our team have never been busier and with every case we strive to make sure lessons are learned, but sadly medical mistakes continue to happen, what we try to do is pick up the pieces and help those clients who need to get the care and compensation they deserve."
Steven Hunt & Associates
Liverpool City Region-based mechanical and electrical engineering firm Steven Hunt & Associates has welcomed two new faces to its team, taking its headcount to 21.
Intermediate mechanical engineer Gabriel Becerra and graduate mechanical engineer Michael Malone have both joined this month.
Founder and managing director Steve Hunt said: "When skilled, motivated and professional engineers like Gabriel and Michael become available, it is simply a no brainer not to take them on, with their experience and willingness to grow and learn further, set to aid our work on existing and new projects throughout the North West and beyond.
"Both acquisitions are another sign that we are looking to build on the strong financial figures reported a few months ago and I am now looking forward to seeing the impact that both Gabriel and Michael will have on our team and the company in the upcoming weeks and months."
Provenio Litigation LLP
Provenio Litigation LLP in Liverpool has promoted Emma Charnock to partner.
She qualified as a solicitor at DLA Piper in 2014 and progressed to senior associate at the global firm before joining Provenio Litigation LLP in November 2019.
She said: "I am absolutely delighted to become a partner of such an exciting and dynamic firm. Provenio is unlike any other opportunity in the market, working on complex high value cases whilst building a vibrant new business, through retaining and winning new instructions, together with continuing to invest in young legal talent from the city. It is a privilege to work with the Provenio team and grow this fantastic firm."
ADT Workplace
Manchester-based commercial interior design, build and delivery specialist ADT Workplace has announced the appointment of Craig Sanderson to its board of directors.
Mr Sanderson was most recently a director at Modus Workspace Ltd in the Midlands.
He said: "I’m proud to be joining ADT Workplace at this exciting time as the business prepares itself for its future as an employee owned business.
"ADT Workplace is a great brand and well respected within the industry, with a talented team of professionals delivering amazing projects. I’m looking forward to being a part of the team and the company’s bright future."
co&co
Manchester-based marketing consultancy co&co has appointed ex-Vita Group community and experience marketing expert Sophie Kimmance as a director.
She said: "With competition at a record high across all industries, consumers are looking for something extra, the ‘what’s in for me’, added bonus.
"Because of this, experiential marketing has become a key part of engagement and retention, and I am delighted to be able to bring my knowledge and skills to the table for co&co.
"We have got exciting things planned for the future of the agency and now with the added services of customised brand experiences, specifically designed brand and space activations, experience strategies, wellbeing support and event services, I can’t wait to see what this new exciting chapter brings."
RSM
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed Peter Graham as its head of real estate and construction in the North West.
Mr Graham has over 20 years’ experience advising real estate and construction businesses and is a tax partner who leads RSM’s capital allowance team, which he established ten years ago.
He succeeds Ian Taylor, who having led the region’s real estate and construction sector for six years, remains a senior partner in the North West.
Mr Graham said: "I am really looking forward to continuing the excellent work that Ian has done as regional lead for real estate and construction, helping our team and clients to thrive and grow.
"Property has always been a passion of mine and it is a real pleasure working with clients in this sector."
AO
Bolton-based AO has appointed Sarah Venning as an independent non-executive director.
She is currently global chief digital officer at Pret A Manger and has over 20 years' experience in digital and IT fields across retail, hospitality and transport sectors having worked previously at John Lewis Partnership and BAA.
Chairman Geoff Cooper said "We are delighted to welcome Sarah as a non-executive director.
"Sarah's skill set and experience in digital transformation and information technology, combined with her passion for excellent customer service will be of great benefit to the Board and AO as we focus on our UK strategy."
fulfilmentcrowd
Chorley-based fulfilmentcrowd has appointed Andrew Turner as chief sales officer.
Mr Turner joined from XPO Logistics where he was commercial director for the UK & Ireland.
He said: "I love the overall fulfilmentcrowd product – it’s where technology, eCommerce and retail meet. The in-house technology and fulfilmentcrowd customer app is one of the best platforms I’ve seen on the market and the company’s global growth trajectory is really impressive.
"fulfilmentcrowd is a friendly and ambitious company, with its roots in the north of England. It has assembled a brilliant senior team and I’m keen to bring my experience and knowledge of the market to further strengthen the team and deliver long-term, sustainable growth for the business and its customers."
Custard
Manchester-based digital marketing agency Custard has appointed a new managing director.
The agency's former head of delivery Alex Duthie will take up the new role, acquiring a 25% stake in the process.
Mr Duthie joined the agency as head of SEO in October 2017 and has held a number of roles over his tenure with the business, having previously worked at agencies such as McCann and PushOn.
Chris Smith, previously the sole owner of the business, has moved into the role of CEO.
Mr Smith said: "I’m delighted that Alex is taking over as managing director at Custard after five years of excellent work. The agency will continue to achieve great results across an expanding scope of work with Alex at the helm."
Mr Duthie added: "We’ve got an excellent client base which keeps growing so it’s a really exciting time to be taking over as managing director.
"The agency has been achieving excellent results for our clients, but we’re not looking to stand still and are continually evolving our offering to ensure all clients receive best in class digital marketing."
NorthEdge
Manchester-based lower mid-market private equity firm NorthEdge has announced changes to its leadership team.
Michael Joseph will be stepping down with Grant Berry moving into the role of executive chair.
Keven Parker will move into the joint managing partner role alongside Ray Stenton, while Jon Pickering will assume the role of chief investment officer.
Keven will continue to take lead responsibility for the NorthEdge portfolio, alongside an increasing involvement in organisational development and investor relations. Jon will manage all investment activity for the firm and continue to lead NorthEdge’s largest investment opportunities.
These changes follow the promotions of Lucie Mills and Phil Frame to Partner roles earlier this year.
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