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Career moves including FirstGroup, AA and MS Amlin

CFOs, finance directors and other leaders on the move in the UK and elsewhere.

FirstGroup appoints ex-Taylor Wimpey finance director as new CFO

Transport company FirstGroup has named Ryan Mangold its new CFO, effective 31 May, 2019. Mangold will fill the vacant CFO position after the promotion of Matthew Gregory as chief executive, last year. Mangold joins from Taylor Wimpey, where he served as group finance director for eight years.

Commenting upon the new appointment, Gregory stated: “Ryan is a business transformation leader who brings a wealth of experience from other sectors and a strong track record of executing complex corporate changes to enhance shareholder value. I am confident Ryan will make a major contribution as we continue to drive forward our plans to unlock greater value from our portfolio of market-leading businesses.”

 

AA finance boss nicknamed ‘the sledgehammer’ quits to support anti-Brexit party

Roadside repair giant AA’s chief financial officer Martin Clarke has stepped down immediately to devote time to anti-Brexit party Change UK. Clarke held the CFO position for five years. Mark Strickland will replace him as the interim chief financial officer, as the company seeks a permanent successor.

 

MS Amlin appoints Pearce from Old Mutual as CFO

Re/insurer MS Amlin has named Iain Pearce its new chief financial officer, effective 3 June, 2019. Pearce will also be a part of the executive team and will report to the CEO of MS Amlin Simon Beale. Prior to this, Pearce worked with Old Mutual in various senior finance roles for over 15 years. He held the position of the finance director of Old Mutual most recently. Pearce will replace the departing John Worth who is set to explore other opportunities within the industry.

Beale commented upon the transition: “I am delighted that Iain will be joining MS Amlin’s senior leadership team, bringing with him an extensive and proven track record from leading global financial services firms. We continue to implement our strategy of repositioning MS Amlin for a sustainable, profitable future, and I look forward to working closely with Iain to consolidate and build on progress made this year.”

 

 Arm names new CFO

Semiconductor and software design company Arm has appointed Inder M. Singh as the executive vice president and chief financial officer with immediate effect. In his new role, Singh will be responsible to head Arm’s global finance organization. He will report to Simon Segars, Arm’s CEO. Prior to this, Singh worked with Unisys where he served as the senior vice president and CFO. Before Unisys, Singh served as the managing director at SunTrust Bank.

Segars commented: “Inder’s financial expertise in multiple technology markets is a strong addition to Arm’s management team. His experience and proven track record of finance leadership in Fortune 500 technology companies will be invaluable as Arm targets new growth opportunities fueled by 5G, automotive, IoT, hybrid cloud infrastructures and Machine Learning.”

 

Restaurant Group appoints Andy Hornby as CEO

The owner of Frankie & Benny’s, Restaurant Group announced the appointment of Andy Hornby as the chief executive officer. Hornby joins from GVC Holdings, where he served as the co-chief operating officer. Hornby will replace Andy McCue, who has resigned as CEO due to personal reasons.

 

Brewery reveals appointment of Chief Financial Officer

Brewery Young & Co. has hired Mike Owen in the role of chief financial officer, effective 9 September 2019. Owen has over 10 years of CFO experience in the drinks and pub industry. Prior to joining Young & Co., he worked with Hall & Woodhouse as the group finance director and IT director. He will also join the Board of Young’s. The current interim CFO Daniel Quint will sustain his role until the company’s AGM in July.

Chairman of Young’s Stephen Goodyear said: “Following an extensive search, we are delighted that Mike is joining the Young’s team. He has an intimate knowledge of the industry and will bring a fresh perspective to the finance function, as we continue the development of our market-leading premium operation. I would like to thank Daniel for the dedication he has shown in his role as interim CFO and we are pleased that he has agreed to continue to be part of the team for a while longer.”

 

Travis Perkins appoints new COO for trade merchant business

Building materials supplier Travis Perkins has welcomed Frank Elkins in the chief operating officer position for the Group’s trade merchant business. Elkins’ role is effective immediately.

John Carter, CEO of Travis Perkins commented: “Frank has been an instrumental in laying the foundations for our new structure, and has a clear vision, the energy and commitment to developing our trade merchanting organisation. He has been in merchanting for over 30 years, eight of these with us.”

 

Thruvision confirms Adrian Crockett as finance director

People-screening technology group Thruvision has appointed Adrian Crockett as the new finance director, replacing Ian Lindsay who is stepping down from his role. Crockett joins from Venture Life Group where he served as the chief financial officer.

The company stated: “Following his decision to re-locate to Australia with his family, Ian Lindsay will step down from the board on 1 May 2019 but will remain with the company until later in May to facilitate an effective handover.”

 

XPS Pensions Group announces Snehal Shah to its Board of Directors as CFO

Pensions consultancy XPS Pensions Group has confirmed Snehal Shah as its new chief financial officer and executive director of the board, effective 27 June, 2019. Shah’s appointment is subject to FCA approval. The departing CFO Mike Ainslie will stay with the company until 30 June, 2019, to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. Shah brings with her over 20 years of expertise in finance, investor relation, M&A execution and post-deal integration.

Co-chief executive officer of XPS Ben Bramhall commented: Snehal brings excellent relevant experience and we are very pleased that he will be joining the company as CFO. I would also like to thank Mike for everything he has done during what has been a transformational period for XPS.”

 

Wilmcote appoints Laird CFO Kevin Dangerfield as new finance boss

Chemicals sector investor Wilmcote Holdings has  named Kevin Dangerfield its new chief financial officer and director, effective 1 July, 2019. Prior to this, Dangerfield worked with UK electronic components maker Laird, most recently as the CFO.

Commenting upon the new appointment, Wilmcote CEO Adrian Whitfield said: “I am delighted to welcome Kevin to Wilmcote. He has extensive knowledge and experience that will support the successful delivery of our investment strategy.

 

David Strickland steps down as finance head at Gama Aviation

Business aviation services company Gama Aviation announced that CFO David Strickland will step down from his position to focus on other opportunities. Until a permanent successor is found, Patrick Wan will take over as the finance chief with Strickland, who will remain to ensure a smooth handover. Previously, Wan was the finance head at one of China’s largest maintenance and repair business; and has over 30 years of financial expertise.

Commenting upon Strickland’s departure, CEO Marwan Khalek said: “I am grateful to Dave for his service during his tenure with the company, through what was a very challenging period. He has been instrumental in the implementation of improved financial reporting and processes; we are committed to building on these foundations and continuing these improvements. The board and I would like to thank Dave and to wish him every success in his future career.”

 

BMS hires Nick Moss as CFO from JLT Re

Independent specialist re/insurance broker BMS has welcomed Nick Moss as the chief financial officer. Moss brings with him over 30 years of finance expertise, having worked in various senior finance roles. In his new position, Moss will be a part of the BMS Board and report to BMS’s CEO Nick Cook.

Commenting upon his appointment, Moss stated: “BMS is a dynamic, independent and entrepreneurial business that has a robust strategic expansion plan, a clear vision and culture that is attracting many of the best brokers in the market. I am very much looking forward to working with Nick and the BMS team.”

 

Yorkshire tech giant announces new CFO

Procurement software company Proactis has appointed Richard Hughes as its chief financial officer, May onwards. Hughes will also be a part of the board of directors. He brings with him extensive expertise in financial control, accounting, reporting, compliance and governance across the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific areas.

CEO of Proactis, Tim Sykes stated: “[Hughes] has substantial experience working within and helping to grow publicly-listed companies operating internationally. “We are confident that his appointment will bring immediate value to our Board and the Company as a whole and we look forward to working alongside Richard to re-focus the Group and drive growth in what continues to be an attractive market.”

 

Chief exec appointed at M&S Bank

Retail bank M&S Bank has appointed Paul Spencer as chief executive. Spencer was the interim chief executive since February 2019. Prior to that, he was the chief control officer for HSBC’s retail banking and wealth management business, and the chief financial officer for Marks & Spencer Financial Services before that.

Chair of M&S Bank, Dame Denise Holt, commented upon Spencer’s appointment: “In addition to evolving our products and services, this year we have also made a major step in our support for our community, becoming naming partner of the M&S Bank Arena, part of the ACC Liverpool and Exhibition Centre Liverpool, which has generated £1.6bn in economic benefit for the Liverpool city region. This is a really exciting time for M&S Bank, our customers, colleagues and community, and Paul is the ideal leader to take the business forward and ensure we continue to bring the trusted M&S brand values to banking.”

 

Gooch & Housego names former Cobham executive as finance chief

Optical components firm Gooch & Housego has appointed Chris Jewell as the chief financial officer, effective of October. At present, Jewell is the director of financial control at TT Electronics. Andy Boteler, the current CFO, will step down in June, whilst financial controller Gareth Crowe will take charge of finance, until Jewell steps into the role.

Mark Webster, CEO of Gooch & Housego, commented: “Chris brings a wealth of global executive and financial experience. We are looking forward to benefiting from his knowledge and expertise as we continue to put in place the organisational structure and business systems needed to take the Company forward to its next stage of development.”

 

Chief executive departs from Goldplat

Gold recovery services company Goldplat has announced the resignation of its CEO Gerard Kisbey-Green, with immediate effect. The current CFO Werner Klingenberg will take over as the interim CEO of the company.

Goldplat’s chairman Matthew Robinson stated: “I would like to thank Gerard for his hard work and enthusiasm over the last four years as CEO and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours. The outcome of the review of the group’s senior management requirements will reflect the group’s strategic requirements going forward.”

 

Healthtech business Servelec appoints new CEO

Software provider Servelec has named Ian Crichton its new CEO, effective 10 June, 2019. Crichton joins from Serco, where served as the MD of its UK health business. He brings with him over 30 years of international expertise having worked in various private and public sector roles.

Commenting upon the new appointment, Chairman Neville Davis said: “I would like to welcome Ian Crichton to Servelec, and I look forward to working with him to further drive the growth and success of the company. Ian is an outstanding CEO with a comprehensive range of experience which is a great fit for our business. I am sure this will mark the start of a great new chapter in the company’s development.”

 

RNIB reveals Matt Stringer as permanent CEO

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has named Matt Stringer its permanent chief executive. Stringer brings over 30 years of expertise to RNIB, having worked in various senior leadership positions. He will succeed the interim chief executive Eliot Lyne.

Eleanor Southwood, RNIB’s chair, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Matt to the team. He brings a wealth of experience of leadership in complex organisations that are going through change. Eliot has been an outstanding leader for RNIB over the past year and I’m confident that Matt is the right person to lead us into our exciting next chapter. Every day 250 people begin to lose their sight. Our staff and volunteers are working with blind and partially sighted people to create a world with no barriers, and we are in a stronger position than ever to make this a reality.”

 

 Hawksmoor appoints Sarah Soar from JM Finn as new CEO

Investment management business Hawksmoor has appointed Sarah Soar as  chief executive, subject to regulatory approval. John Crowley, the founder and CEO is stepping down from his executive responsibilities, however, he will continue as the director of the company. Soar has 30 years of experience and has worked with companies such as JM Finn, Brewin Dolphin and PIMFA.

Chairman of Hawksmoor James Brent stated: “I congratulate and thank John for what he and his colleagues have achieved at Hawksmoor in the last 11 years. He has built a successful, sustainable and scalable business, completely focussed on the best outcomes for our discretionary clients and the investors in our funds. We are delighted that such a well-known industry figure as Sarah will be joining us to build on John’s work since he founded the company in 2008.”

 

 Tennis Wales appoints Simon Johnson as CEO

Tennis Wales has named Simon Johnson its new CEO. Previously, Johnson worked for seven years at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), with three years as the head of south west of England. He will be responsible to oversee work to develop a new vision and strategy.

Commenting upon his new role, Johnson said: “We have an incredible opportunity to grow tennis in Wales. Our vision will be to work with all our partners across Wales to truly open tennis up to new people, making sure that everyone feels tennis is relevant, welcoming, enjoyable and above all, fun to play. This is very much the start of an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to working across Wales well into the future”.

 

ECI Media Management names global COO as it eyes expansion

London-headquartered media management company ECI Media Management has named Sofia Savvidou-Gianniri its new global COO. Savvidou-Gianniri will report to ECI’s global CEO Fredrik Kinge. In her new role, Savvidou-Gianniri will ensure efficient operational management of the company’s business and will work parallel to Kinge, as well as the rest of the global management team.

ECI’s CEO Kinge said: “We are delighted that Sofia is taking on this key role in our global management team. As we develop and expand our product offering and our data capabilities so that we can continue to drive media-led business impact for our clients across the world, we need to ensure that our organisation maintains peak efficiency and agility. Sofia is exactly the top-level operator to make that happen.”

 

Focus Hotels appoints Lynn Hood as COO

Independent hospitality management group Focus Hotels appointed Lynn Hood as the COO. Previously, Hood worked with Hotel Prosperity as the head for eight years, during which she worked with clients such as Westmont Hospitality Group, De Vere Hotels, RBH and KSL Capital partners. She also worked with City Inn group as the chief operations director.

Focus Hotels’ CEO Peter Cashman said: “Lynn undertook a number of high-profile projects which included the redevelopment and repositioning of the famous Belfry Golf Resort and Spa. Her clients benefitted from a range of services which included operational and commercial expertise, leadership mentoring, hotel openings and rebranding as well as project management for key business changes.”

 

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