Businesses large and small from across the North West have announced a string of new hires and promotions over the last week.
Household names such as Missguided and Victorian Plumbing through to fast-growing start-ups have confirmed top hires.
Below, BusinessLive profiles the latest top hires from all over the region.
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Missguided
Nitin Passi, the founder of fast fashion company Missguided which was recently acquired by Frasers Group after collapsing into administration, has returned as its chief executive.
Mr Passi stepped down from the role in April as the Manchester business announced it was to cut 63 jobs.
Missguided was founded by Mr Passi in 2009 and sold a 50% stake to Alteri Investors towards the end of 2021.
Mr Passi said: "Frasers Group has an unrivalled platform and fantastic operational know-how, giving Missguided a solid foundation on which we can build a successful future.
"I am acutely aware of the impact Missguided’s administration has had on our stakeholders and I am committed to rebuilding their trust."
Mills & Reeve
A sports lawyer at the Manchester office of Mills & Reeve has become the sole UK-based solicitor to be selected as a FIFA mediator.
Carol Couse, who is a partner in the sports, entertainment and media team, is also one of only four female lawyers globally to be selected as an approved mediator to the 19-strong panel.
Her appointment follows the move by FIFA to implement mediation within the proceedings of its Football Tribunal to enable parties to end disputes with the assistance of a mediator in a swift and efficient manner.
The Harris Partnership
National architect firm The Harris Partnership has welcomed a new hire to its Manchester office.
Russell Kelly is an experienced CDM adviser and principal designer with Construction and Fire NEBOSH certification and can assist everyone with any design risk queries, the company said.
Chairman Paul Mitchell said: "The Harris Partnership have several pending schemes across the UK as well as a robust portfolio of current major projects, making it a crucial time to expand at all levels across the firm."
Gorvins LLP
Amanda Porter has been made a partner at Greater Manchester-based solicitors, Gorvins LLP.
She joined Gorvins LLP in December 2019 after almost two decades of working as an in-house property solicitor for Thomas Cook.
She said: "I’m very pleased and proud to become a partner at Gorvins and to be a part of their commercial property team.
"The team undertakes work for a variety of clients for whom we are highly motivated to achieve the best outcomes possible."
Managing partner Mark Deverell added: "Amanda has become a huge part of the Gorvins team since she joined us in 2019.
"Not only does she bring a wealth of experience, but her client-focused attitude means she’s perfectly suited to help Gorvins set the standard for commercial property legal services both locally and nationally."
Associated British Ports
Associated British Ports has appointed Bryan Davies as the divisional ports manager for the North West.
Mr Davies is currently managing director of UM Terminals, where he manages eight bulk liquid terminals across the UK.
He brings 30 years of experience from roles with Peel Ports, Quality Freight (UK) and Frank Armitt and Sons.
Andrew Harston, ABP’s regional director for Wales and Short Sea Ports, said: "We look forward to Bryan joining the team.
"With significant experience into translating ambitious strategy into business delivery, it’s a great time to bring Bryan into ABP.
"ABP’s ports have always had an important part to play in Keeping Britain Trading, and increasingly they are providing the facilities needs for the energy transition- our North-West ports are critical for this."
Jargon PR
Jargon PR has hired former national newspaper journalist Amanda Evans as executive director of media strategy.
She will lead the company's crisis management division across its Manchester and Hampshire offices.
She said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the hugely talented team at Jargon PR.
"There is a real feeling of momentum behind the agency which continues to go from strength-to-strength. I'm looking forward to being part of a dynamic and successful company."
Price Slater Gawne
Altrincham-based law firm Price Slater Gawne has made 13 promotions, including a record three promotions to partner level.
Promoted to partner are Tom Young, head of court of protection, Laura Bywater, head of wealth protection, and Andrew Harrison, a member of the firm’s clinical negligence team.
Promoted to senior associate are Jonathan Grundy, member of the serious injury team, Matt Tomaszewski, the firm’s HR manager, and Laura Zander, Niall Costello and Sophie Fox, all of whom are clinical negligence legal specialists.
Promoted to associate are Gail Galloway of the wealth protection team, three members of the clinical negligence team, Clare Tinker, Mairin Costello and Sarah Ratcliffe, and Jack Fitzsimons of the accounts team.
Pimberly
An international retail and e-commerce specialist who has held chief executive roles at Claire’s Accessories and Etam Group has joined the board of Manchester-based technology company Pimberly to help drive its US and European expansion.
Beatrice Lafon has joined as a non-executive director.
During her executive career, she has held senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, River Island, BSkyB, TJ Hughes and B&Q owner Kingfisher, as well as Claire’s Accessories, Dutch fashion group Etam and French omni-channel retailer Pimkie.
Martin Balaam, founder and CEO of Pimberly, said: "Beatrice has an enormous amount of retail experience in the UK and the United States and she will be an invaluable asset to the company as we push our expansion in those territories and across the EU.
"Specifically, she brings a wealth of insight into multi-brand, multinational enterprise retailers and brands.
"She is a welcome addition to our non-executive advisory team as we execute our growth plans and enhance our product offering to the fashion and apparel sector, a key target market for Pimberly."
mmadigital
Manchester-based mmadigital has welcomed two new senior hires as part of its ongoing recruitment drive.
Rachel Cullen has joined as head of paid search and Anthony Hough has been appointed as salesforce developer.
On joining mmadigital, she said: "It’s an incredibly exciting time to join mmadigital and contribute to the next stage of its growth by building and executing a clear and differentiated paid search strategy."
Mr Hough added: "The role has so much potential and it’s great to be part of something new and ambitious.
"One of the most compelling things which attracted me to mmadigital is the vibrant and cohesive culture - with people at the heart of it all."
Voicescape
Manchester-based software business Voicescape has appointed a new head of account management.
Nicola Brown joins the company to help strengthen its position in both the social housing and Government sectors.
Formerly sales director at ROCC Housing Technology Solutions, she brings more than 25 years’ housing experience in sales and strategic account management.
She said: "The sector is experiencing real change, both in terms of building safety and compliance, and the new tenant satisfaction measures.
"Voicescape provides award-winning technology that’s proven to help organisations address these sector challenges effectively and support residents more holistically. I believe it’s a pivotal time to be joining such a highly-skilled team."
Victorian Plumbing
Victorian Plumbing has announced the appointment of Dianne Walker to the board as an independent non-executive director with immediate effect.
She will chair the remuneration committee and become a member of the audit committee and the nomination committee.
She is currently a non-executive director of Inspired plc, Development Bank of Wales plc and a number of private companies.
Chairman Philip Bowcock said: "On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Dianne to Victorian Plumbing.
"Dianne's wealth of skills and experience perfectly complement those of the company's existing board members and I am confident that the company will benefit from this expertise. We look forward to working with her."
The Momentum Group
The Momentum Group has appointed Sarah Carron to join its property management division as board director.
The Liverpool group provides advisory, construction, management, and maintenance services to its clients.
Sarah Carron has previously worked on Battersea Power Station, Kings Cross, Festival Place Basingstoke, and Liverpool ONE.
She said: "I am really pleased to join the team, lead the property management business, and help grow the property management portfolio.
"Chris Bliss and I have worked together on various projects for over 20 years, both in terms of property management, set-up, and consultancy projects.
"Momentum’s flexible, nurturing approach and drive for growth is what has attracted me to work with them and I can’t wait to get started."
H&H Group
Carlisle-based H&H Group has announced the appointment of Scottish Borders farmer Will Hamilton as vice chair of the board.
Mr Hamilton has been non-executive director of the company for the last four years.
He said: "I am both honoured and humbled to be invited to be vice chair.
"Since I joined the H&H Group board in 2018, I have really enjoyed being part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking company, and I have been particularly impressed by the commitment, dedication, and professionalism of all the staff."
