Career moves: Capita, Debenhams and more

Capita appoints new CFO

Patrick Butcher is set to replace Nick Greatorex as the chief financial officer of UK-based business process outsourcing company, Capita. While Greatorex will step down from his role on 30 September 2018, Butcher will join the company by the year end. Butcher has 25 years of experience including 19 years in finance director roles. He held positions including CFO of Go Ahead Group; group FD at Network Rail; and various roles at Deloitte & Touche.

Commenting on Butcher’s appointment, CEO of Capita, John Lewis said: “I am delighted to welcome Patrick to Capita. We are looking forward to adding Patrick’s new perspective, energy and experience to support the good start we have made with our transformation programme and new strategy, delivering the commitments we have made to all our stakeholders.”

New finance chief for retailer Debenhams

Rachel Osborne will join Debenhams, the UK-based retail company, as the new chief financial officer from 17 September 2018. Osborne will replace former CFO Matt Smith who is to become the new finance director of Selfridges. Before this, she held various positions with organisations like Domino’s Pizza, John Lewis, and Kingfisher.

Speaking on her appointment, Osborne commented: “This is a challenging time for UK retail, but Debenhams has a strong heritage, leading market positions and a credible plan for its future. I look forward to being part of the team delivering the transformation.”

Allianz Insurance announces appointment of new CFO

Allianz Insurance has announced the appointment of Fernley Dyson as its new chief financial officer replacing Mark Churchlow. Dyson is currently the chief financial officer at Ageas and will join Allianz from 1 January 2019. He worked for seven years at Aviva before joining Ageas.

Allianz’s Chief Executive Jon Dye said: “We are delighted that Fernley is joining our management board to take on the leadership of our Finance teams. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the insurance sector and has a strong track record in the fields of professional and financial services.”

Hostelworld appoints TJ Kelly as CFO

The hostel-focused online booking platform Hostelworld has hired TJ Kelly as its chief financial officer. Kelly will take up office from 21 November 2018. Currently, Kelly serves as the chief financial officer of Glanbia’s performance nutrition division. He has been associated with Glanbia since 2006 as a financial controller and his responsibility included overseeing investor relations. Kelly also held senior roles in finance at Microsoft, GE Capital and eir

Duncan & Todd appoints new finance director

UK-based opticians Duncan and Todd has taken on board Robert Skidmore as the new group finance director. Skidmore has held CFO and CEO roles in various industries including a multi-site distribution business and other roles in sectors such as oil and gas and healthcare.

Commenting on his appointment, Robert Skidmore said: “Duncan and Todd have developed a strong business model combining deep industry expertise with high standards of service. I am excited about the opportunity to further develop and support the business in its next phase of growth.”

Ulster Bank confirms Jane Howard appointment as new chief

Ulster Bank has recruited Jane Harwood as the new chief executive. Howard served as the managing director of personal banking at RBS for the last two years. She has over 37 years of experience in the financial sector and has spent 14 years in customer-facing and risk management roles. She also came to be known as the “mastermind” behind the closing of hundreds of Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest branches. Howard will replace Gerry Mallon, who is moving to become the chief executive of Tesco bank.

Divisa Capital promotes Michael Ayres to chief operating officer

London-based financial broker Divisa Capital has elevated Michael Ayres to the post of chief operating officer. He was the chief risk officer at the broker, since May this year. Prior to this, he held positions like director of operations and head of EFX & trading operation with GKFX.

With ten years of experience, Ayres has worked in the forex industry dealing with trading reconciliation, prime broker risk management, and daily profit & loss reports among others. He has held various roles with companies like ODL Securities and global foreign exchange Alpari.

Jackie Noakes appointed as COO of Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland has found a replacement for former COO Lewis Love by appointing Jackie Noakes as its new group chief operating officer. Replacing interim COO Maureen Stanley, Noakes will be responsible for services across technology, operations, and infrastructure for the lender. Prior to this, she held leading positions including chief executive of mature savings at Legal & General.

Speaking on Noakes appointment, chief executive Francesca McDonagh said: “Jackie is a welcome addition to our leadership team and will be an important asset in supporting the Group’s strategic ambition, purpose and transformation.”

Verastar recruits COO from Shop Direct

James Mitton has been appointed as the chief operating officer of Verastar, the Manchester-based business service provider. In his new role, Mitton will be responsible for customer experience and the growth of Verastar’s Kinex and Clear Business brands. Before this, he was the customer service director at Shop Direct for four years.

“We’re very proud to have James on our team. His skills and experience are integral to Verastar’s ambitious plans as we strive to be at the forefront of development in the SME utility and business service sector, enabling us to provide an outstanding and unique product offer supported by service excellence,” said CEO Chris Earle.

New finance chief for Xpediator

UK-based freight management services provider Xpediator has appointed a new chief financial officer, Stuart John. He will replace Richard Myson who is set to retire soon. Howard has held various leading positions including chief executive of alternative services provider, Dollar UK. Being a qualified chartered accountant, Howard has experience working as chief financial officer, chief operating officer and chief executive in the financial services and private equity sectors.

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