Career moves: Fiat, HS2 and more

HS2 appoints COO and CFO

High-speed railway company, High Speed 2 (HS2) announced two new appointments to their upper management and brought Richard Robinson and Michael Bradley on board as its new COO and CFO, respectively. Prior to joining HS2, Robinson served at AECOM as the chief executive of civil infrastructure in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa. He has also held leadership positions in companies such as Heathrow Express, Tickex.com and Anglo American. Bradley, on the other hand, served as a CFO, director general and acting CEO at Defence Equipment and Support, an arms-length body of the Ministry of Defence. HS2 CEO Mark Thurston commented on both appointments and said that he was delighted to welcome them to the company.

Former Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne dies aged 66

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, has passed away at 66 years old. The company appointed Mike Manley being appointed as new CEO, effective immediately. FCA chairman John Elkann said: “Unfortunately, what we feared has come to pass. Sergio Marchionne, man and friend, is gone. I believe that the best way to honor his memory is to build on the legacy he left us, continuing to develop the human values of responsibility and openness of which he was the most ardent champion. My family and I will be forever grateful for what he has done.”

CitySprint appoints new COO

Courier company CitySprint has brought Craig Eddy on board as its new director of operations. Prior to joining CitySprint, Eddy worked at Royal Mail for 19 years where served as a regional manager for East of England. In his new role, Eddy will be responsible for managing all final mile operations for the courier company. He will also be responsible for overseeing CitySprint’s fleet and ensuring that objectives are met.

Speaking about the appointment, CitySprint COO Paul Gisbourne said: “Craig has proven skills and many years’ experience in the sector, and his track record of managing large teams and driving growth means he has the insight and experience needed to ensure further success in the future. I have no doubt that he will be an invaluable asset to the CitySprint team.”

Earthport appoints Alexander Filshie as CFO

Cross-border payment services provider Earthport has recruited Alexander Filshie as the company’s latest chief financial officer. Filshie brings 25+ years of experience with him, having served in leadership positions at companies such as CLS, where he worked as a CFO and at Barclays Bank, where he served as a CFO and head of strategy, Africa and Middle East.

He has also served in a variety of senior leadership positions at American Express International. Filshie is also a Fellow at the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers. Speaking about the appointment, Earthport CEO Amanda Meslet said: “Alexander has an exceptional understanding of the currency and payment industries, coupled with deep knowledge of financial management at the most senior level at financial services and technology companies. He has an impressive track record in executing complex financial controls which will help take Earthport to the next level of growth.”

Appointment of new CFO at RYVL

RYVL, previously known as The Marketing Group, has made a new appointment by recruiting Alex Knight as its latest CFO, effective immediately. Knight will be replacing Mike McElhatton, who has resigned from the company to pursue other interests. Knight is an Oxford University alumni and a qualified chartered accountant. He brings a wealth of experience with him, having served in CFO and COO positions in a variety of multi-national corporations, UK public companies, UK private and start-up companies.

He also spent 15 years in the technology and marketing sector and has worked for reputed companies like Omnicom Media Group, The Unlimited Group, ICM Unlimited, Marketing Sciences Unlimited and Four Communications Group. Speaking about the appointment, RYVL CEO Adam Graham stated: “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Mike for his contribution to the Group and wish him well in his future endeavours.  I welcome Alex to the board as we embark on the next phase of our development.”

Specialist Leisure Group names Paul Smith new CFO

British hotel and leisure travel company Specialist Leisure Group (SLG) has confirmed that Paul Smith will become the company’s latest CFO. Smith will be replacing Gary Speaking, who resigned from the company to take up the role of COO at Shearings Leisure Group. Prior to joining SLG, Smith’s career has seen him hold senior roles in companies such as Airtours and Cooperative Travel. He even served as an interim chief executive at Gold Medal. Speaking about the appointment, SLG CEO Richard Calvert stated: “I am delighted to have someone of Paul’s ability and track record joining us. Our rigorous recruitment process clearly identified Paul as the stand out candidate and I’m positive that he will prove to be a great asset and cultural fit within the SLG family as we continue our exciting journey. 

FCA’s Altavilla to resign as head of Europe operations

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) has confirmed that Alfredo Altavilla, the COO for the company’s European region, has resigned from the company following the death of FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne. FCA has also confirmed that Altavilla will stay on with the company until the end of August 2018.

CyanConnode appoints new group finance director

Narrowband radio mesh networks developer CyanConnode Holdings has appointed Heather Peacock as its new group finance director. Peacock originally joined CyanConnode back in 2008 as a financial controller. She brings a wealth of experience with her and has previously served in senior leadership roles in large international organisations in the UK and South Africa, including company secretary for CyanConnode. Commenting on her appointment, Peacock stated: “I’m excited to be joining the Board at this time. Having worked for the Company for the past ten years across a number of areas, I’m looking forward to returning to finance and using my experience at a time when the Company needs to closely manage costs and drive shareholder value, while delivering on the orders recently announced.”

Lendy appoints former banker as CFO

Peer-to-peer property platform Lendy has confirmed the appointment of Kieran O’Connor as its new CFO. Prior to joining Lendy, O’Connor worked at growth and special situations fund Cortin Capital Partners. He has also served at reputed companies such as CQS and JP Morgan. Lendy CEO Liam Brooke welcomed O’Connor to the company and said: “We are delighted to welcome Kieran to Lendy, as we continue to strengthen and expand the business. Kieran brings with him a wealth of expertise across investment banking and private debt fund management. All of us at Lendy are really looking forward to working with Kieran and drawing on his breadth of experience as Lendy continues to mature as a business.”

Comments are closed.