North Tyneside sales and marketing specialist durhamlane has appointed Sinead Hall as its first chief people officer.
Ms Hall joins durhamlane’s senior leadership team in a strategic hire to marks the next phase of investment for the Wallsend-based company as it targets 30% growth this year. She has over 15 years’ experience in HR and joins from digital marketing agency Evolved Search, where she was head of people for over three years. Before this she was senior people advisor at clothing brand END for a number of years.
Ms Hall said: “Joining durhamlane as chief people officer is an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s growth and its most valuable asset - its people. I am thrilled to be part of a team that recognises the importance of a thriving work culture and is committed to empowering employees. Together, we will continue to foster an inclusive environment that drives excellence and delivers exceptional results for our clients.”
Jake Spence, managing director at durhamlane, added: “Her expertise and passion for cultivating a thriving work culture aligns perfectly with our company value ‘Empowered’, which recognises that our people are our greatest asset and her successful track record in driving employee engagement further strengthens our culture of inclusivity. Her appointment represents a strategic investment in our team’s professional growth and development and will undoubtedly contribute to even better results for our clients.”
Andy Kahn has swapped Orlando for Newcastle after taking up a new role at The Catalyst innovation centre.
Mr Kahn has joined The Catalyst team as assistant centre manager, employed by innovation centre operator Oxford Innovation, having moved across the Atlantic with his wife from Orlando, Florida, where he worked for Accenture in the science informatics space, managing an office with more than 150 workspaces. Before working for Accenture, Mr Kahn held various roles in the entertainment sector, including at the Universal Orlando Resort where he supported the smooth running of attractions and managed front line team members.
He will support with the marketing, sales and operational performance of The Catalyst and will be integral to the programming of events and engagement. He said: “I’m ecstatic to have joined The Catalyst team and Oxford Innovation in my recent move to the UK with my wife. I’m hoping to bring a positive and upbeat energy to the role and make everyone who visits The Catalyst feel welcome and comfortable. I’m also excited to work alongside the National Innovation Centre for Ageing and the National Innovation Centre for Data, as well as all the fantastic businesses based here that are part of the healthy ageing and data sectors.”
Accountancy group Azets has appointed Lee Humble as its new UK head of corporate finance. Based in Newcastle, Mr Humble joined Azets through acquisition in April 2022. He was immediately promoted to partner and has since led Azets’ North East corporate finance team.
Mr Humble has significant experience gained as a business owner and in senior leadership roles within banking and corporate finance over the past 16 years, in London and the North East. He provides transactional, strategic, growth, and funding advice, and is the recipient of several industry awards.
He said: “We have a talented team of corporate finance specialists at Azets, and I am honoured to step into this national leadership role at what is such an exciting time for our company, as we embark on our five-year Pathway strategy with fresh investment.”
Sunderland-based housebuilder Avant Homes North East has made two new appointments to its senior team. Martin Mowbray and Andrew Finnigan have joined as land director and development director respectively.
Mr Mowbray is returning to Avant Homes where he was previously head of land. He has 17 years’ experience in the housebuilding industry, having also held positions at Miller Homes, Husband & Brown and Gladedale Homes. With 23 years’ experience in housebuilding, Mr Finnigan will lead the regional development team while also overseeing the business’s architectural, engineering and commercial functions. He previously worked at Miller Homes and Cussins.
Avant Homes North East managing director, Don Anderson, said: “These two senior appointments will play an essential role in achieving our ambitious growth plans for the region. They both bring a wealth of experience in their individual expertise to Avant Homes and I look forward to working with them to delivery of our expansion strategy.”
Gentoo has welcomed Louise Buckton as its new construction director. Ms Buckton will join Gentoo’s homes and development team, providing leadership support to the technical, construction and affordable delivery teams. She joins after three years at Equans, where she was new build director. She has worked in the industry for 26 years and brings a wealth of knowledge in housing and construction, previously working for Beyond Housing, Kier and Esh Construction.
She said: “I’m delighted to be joining Gentoo at what is an exciting and evolving time for the organisation. Having worked with Gentoo closely throughout my career, I am looking forward to having a positive impact on decision making here and guiding the Homes and Development Team to create brilliant new homes for customers and tenants.”
Joanne Gordon, homes and development director at Gentoo said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Louise to Gentoo. Her work and achievements at our partner organisations show she has outstanding knowledge and skills in the housing sector and will be a brilliant addition to Gentoo.”
