People Business » Career moves: RBS, ThreeUK and more

Career moves: RBS, ThreeUK and more

A round-up of some of the UK’s leading CFO and FD moves, as well as other executive changes across UK and global organisations

RBS CFO unexpectedly resigns

Royal Bank of Scotland’s (RBS) CFO Ewen Stevenson has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Stevenson was expected to become RBS’s CEO, but his unexpected departure implies that Allison Rose, RBS’s most senior female banker, will most likely succeed him as the CEO. Stevenson was at RBS for four years and was one of two candidates that were considered as a replacement for the bank’s current CEO, Ross McEwan.

About the resignation, McEwan said: “For the past four years, Ewen has worked tirelessly with me and my executive team to make RBS a much simpler, safer and more customer-focused business and to resolve a number of major legacy challenges. When Ewen leaves RBS, he will go with my enormous thanks and best wishes. He has been a fantastic CFO.

ThreeUK announces senior management changes

Telecommunications and internet service provider ThreeUK has promoted Darren Purkis to the position of chief financial officer. Purkis will succeed Richard Woodward, who was promoted to the chief commercial officer role. Prior to becoming CFO, Purkis served as a deputy CFO for ThreeUK.

Solicitors appoint new finance director as part of five-year growth strategy

Yorkshire-based solicitors Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors (CLS) has appointed Jon Oliver as new finance director, as part of its five-year growth strategy. Oliver joined the firm back in 2016 and was initially responsible for overhauling Chadwick Lawrence’s finance function to support the very same strategy.

Neil Wilson, CLS’s managing partner said: “Jon’s commitment to the firm on a permanent basis is great news for us. It shows he has faith in the future direction of the firm and demonstrates the benefits of creating a first-class people culture that he wants to be a part of. Jon and I work very closely together and I am pleased to know I have his support and expertise alongside me.”

Emsleys Solicitors appoints new head of finance

Leeds-based solicitors Emsleys Solicitors has recruited Judith Hogg as its new head of finance. Hogg is an FCCA qualified finance professional with more than 30 years of legal experience under her belt, 18 of which she spent in professional services environments such as legal, HR, training, consultancy, and occupational health. In her new role, Hogg is responsible for the planning and execution of the firm’s expansion in the south-west and developing a new team that specializes exclusively in asbestos illness, occupational cancer, and industrial disease claims.

Speaking about the appointment, Emsleys’ director and head of conveyancing Alistair McKinlay, said: “Judith’s knowledge and expertise will be vital as we embark on the next phase of the Emsleys journey.”

New chief executive announced at Southern Housing Group

Housing association Southern Housing Group (SHG) has appointed Alan Townshend to replace Tom Dacey as the company’s new CEO. Townshend is an experienced professional and has spent over 30 years in the affordable housing sector working with public and private companies. Prior to joining SHG, Townshend served at Wandle Housing as its asset investment director and interim CEO.

SHG chair Arthur Merchant said: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Townshend. Alan’s track record as group development director is impressive. He has extensive knowledge of the group and the sector and he has a clear strategic vision. We’re confident Alan will lead SHG into the future with assurance, building on the strengths of the Group.”

Gama Aviation appoints experienced head of finance

Business aviation services firm Gama Aviation has recruited David Strickland as its new CFO. Strickland is a qualified chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse and holds 35 directorships at companies including Eventech, Addison Lee, and Flyte Tyme Holdings. According to Gama Aviation, Strickland has the financial and international operational experience the firm needs, thanks to his previous roles in the transport and service sector.

Speaking about the appointment, Gama Aviation’s chairman Ralph Robbins said: “In the view of the board we have made an excellent appointment in David. His diverse service sector background, experience of financially managing growth and proven ability to build value internationally, adds another dimension to our already strong executive team.”

OAG names new chief operating officer

Flight information provider OAG has brought in Ben Hollins as its new chief operating officer. In his new role, Hollins will be responsible for the maintenance of the operational infrastructure, which supports OAG´s new solution development. His responsibilities will also include backing up project and process governance, improving internal systems performance, organizing overall strategy and merger and acquisition activity, and driving talent development.

Pensions watchdog CEO resigns

The Pension Regulator’s (TPR) CEO Lesley Titcomb will be stepping down from her position to pursue other opportunities. TPR’s board has confirmed her resignation and stated that Titcomb will be resigning in February 2019.  Titcomb commented on her departure from the company and stated that it was a difficult and personal decision to make.  She said: “I love working at TPR and am immensely proud of what we are achieving. But as I turn 57 next month, the end of my contract in February 2019 feels like the appropriate moment to find more time in my life for family, friends, other interests and opportunities.”

Defenx CEO Alessandro Poerio to resign

Cybersecurity software group Defenx’s CEO Alessandro Poerio has officially stepped down from his role. Poerio will be succeeded by company chairman Tony Reeves, who will assume the responsibilities until a replacement is appointed. Reeves took the time out to thank Poerio and stated that his contributions to the company over the past six months were instrumental in developing a 2020 strategy for Defenx.

 

 

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