Career moves including Foxtons, Hammerson and Superdry

Foxtons CFO leaves

Real estate firm Foxtons Group has announced that its CFO Mark Berry will step down from the board on 24 June 2019. Richard Harris will succeed Berry in the CFO position. Harris joins from Laird where he served as the group finance controller. Prior to that, he worked at Marks & Spencer for 11 years in various senior finance roles.

Hammerson CFO Drakesmith resigns after eight years in role

Shopping centre operator Hammerson has announced the resignation of its CFO Timon Drakesmith, after serving for eight years in the position. Drakesmith will continue to serve as a member of the board until his exit, later this year. Meanwhile, Hammersmith seeks to appoint a new CFO.

Superdry appoints Nick Gresham interim CFO

Fashion retailer Superdry has named Nick Gresham as its interim chief financial officer, effective 3 June 2019. Gresham will replace the departing Ed Barker. At present, Gresham works with sports retailer Wiggle as their CFO. Previously he has held finance roles with various organisations such as Oak Furnitureland, Connect Group, Debenhams, Homebase, Home Retail Group and GUS.

Superdry’s chairman Peter Williams commented: “I am delighted to have secured an interim CFO of the calibre of Nick, who has extensive experience in senior finance roles across the retail sector. This is an important step for Superdry as we continue to focus on rebuilding the board and putting the right leadership and corporate governance structure in place.”

WH Smith CEO to step down

British retailer WH Smith has announced that its Chief Executive Stephen Clarke will depart on 31 October 2019. Carl Cowling, the current managing director of WG Smith’s high street business, will take over the CEO position, effective 1 November 2019. Clarke served as the chief executive of the company for six years and has spent 15 years with the company in total.

Crest Nicholson names new Chief Operating Officer

Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has appointed Tom Nicholson as the chief operating officer effective immediately. He joins from Linden Homes where he was the divisional chairman. He was also on the executive board of the Galliford Try Group. He brings over 30 years of experience to Crest Nicholson, having worked in companies such as Trafalgar House Group, Ideal Homes, Berkeley Group, and Try Homes.

Greencore promotes Peter Haden to COO as first-half profits surge

Food giant Greencore Group has named Peter Haden as the chief operating officer as well as the executive director of the company’s board. Haden joined Greencore in 2015 as the chief development officer. Last year, he took over as the CEO of Greencore’s UK division. His promotion comes as the company aims to focus on operations in the core UK convenience foods business.

Greencore’s Chairman Gary Kennedy commented: “Peter has made an outstanding contribution to Greencore in a number of senior roles since joining us in 2015, and his promotion to the board is well deserved. His strategic mind-set and operational expertise will be invaluable as Greencore looks to drive performance and pursue the range of compelling growth opportunities that we see in the UK convenience food market.”

Esure hires former Aviva UKGI boss David McMillan as CEO

Internet and telephone-based insurer Esure Group has named David McMillan as the chief executive officer. McMillan will assume his new role in August. He succeeds Stuart Vann who stepped down in January 2018. At present, McMillan is the group chief operating officer of QBE. CFO of Esure Darren Ogden was appointed as the interim CEO prior to McMillan’s appointment.

“I am delighted that David McMilllan has agreed to lead Esure. I’d like to thank Darren Ogden for heading the business during this interim period and he will be working closely alongside David to ensure a smooth transition. David has a strong track record of delivering digital transformation across the insurance market. Under David’s leadership, I am confident the business will deliver on its strategic ambitions,” stated Esure’s chairman Sir Peter Wood.

Cazoo names Alex Gersh as CFO

Car buying and rental startup Cazoo has hired Alex Gersh as the chief financial officer. Prior to this, Gersh worked with FTSE 100-listed Paddy Power Betfair as the CFO for six years. At Cazoo, Gersh will oversee the finance function of the company and manage the growth. He will be a part of Cazoo’s board of directors as well as the executive team, reporting to Cazoo’s CEO Alex Chesterman OBE.

“We are delighted to welcome Alex Gersh to the Cazoo team. We have plans to transform the used car market in the UK and Alex’s considerable experience is a real win for Cazoo and will be invaluable to us. His experience of being involved in businesses of significant scale will be a great asset given our plans to grow Cazoo into a very large business over the coming years,” commented Chesterman.

Armour Group appoints John Parry as CFO

Reinsurance and service companies Armour Group has appointed John Parry as the group chief financial officer, effective from June. Parry will report to the group’s executive committee. He joins from Lloyd’s of London where he served as the chief financial officer and managed the tax affairs of the Society of Lloyd’s and the Market in UK and overseas. He brings wealth of financial services expertise to Armour Group.

Commenting upon his appointment, Parry stated: “I am pleased to join Armour and excited about the significant opportunities for growth and development of the company. Armour has a best-in-class team and I look forward to working with them to further the company’s strategic objectives.”

Finantix names CFO

Banking technology services provider Finantix has named Tim Wood its new chief financial officer. In his role at Finantix, Wood will lead the financial operations for the company. He will report directly to the board. He has over 20 years of financial expertise across various SMEs and Nasdaq listed software and technology companies, having worked in CFO and financial director positions.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Tim to the senior management team as his experience will bring substantial benefits to our expanding financial operations. As our new CFO, he will also be playing a vital role in further developing our key network of local and global partnerships which provide a vital component in our provision of innovative and integrated solutions to our worldwide clients,” stated the co-founder of Finantix Ralf Emmerich.

Linda Mellors to lead Regis Healthcare

Healthcare provider Regis Healthcare has hired Linda Mellors as the chief executive officer and managing director, effective from August. She will replace Ross Johnson, who was the chief executive of Regis Healthcare since 2008. Prior to this, Mellors was the chief operating officer at Mercy Health and retained her role as the chief executive of healthcare services at Mercy Health.

Chairman of Regis Graham Hodges said: “Given Linda’s wealth of experienced and proven track record in the health care sector (including clinical health services and governance, residential aged care and home care), she will bring new perspective and insights to our company at a time of considerable change and reform.”

Cruise.co.uk appoints Chris Gardner as CEO as Seamus Conlon steps down

Cruise.co.uk has elevated its present Managing Director Chris Gardner as the chief executive officer, replacing Seamus Conlon who is set to step down. Gardner will continue to serve as the managing director of the online travel agency alongside his chief executive position. He joined the company last year, prior to which, he worked at Which? for 12 years in the managing director role. Conlon will serve as a non-executive director of Cruise.co.uk.

Commenting upon the transformation, Conlon said: “It has been a great journey and pleasure to build and lead Cruise.co over the last 15 years, but now I feel it is a good time to take a supporting role. I am immensely proud of what we have built at Cruise.co, but I know Chris and the team will take it even greater success.”

New CEO appointed for USS investment management unit

Investment management unit of Universities Superannuation Scheme has hired Simon Pilcher as its CEO, effective from October. Pilcher will succeed the retiring CEO Roger Gray, who served for ten years in the role. In his new role, Pilcher will oversee the investment strategy of the pension fund for the academic staff in the UK. Prior to this, he worked with M&G Prudential as CEO and chairman.

CEO of USS Group Bill Galvin commented: “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Pilcher to USS, who not only comes to us with deep expertise of leadership at the highest level in asset management, but also with a firm emphasis on building a strong culture of inclusion as well as a focus on innovation.”

 New CEO For Yorkshire homelessness charity

Homelessness charity Simon on the Streets has named Eric Richardson as its chief executive officer. He brings wealth of knowledge in the charity sector and will oversee the strategic direction of the company, as well as develop further links with partner organisations to create an impact.

“We’re delighted to welcome Eric at what is a critical time for Simon on the Streets as Eric’s exceptional sector expertise will help us to connect further with partner organisations and ultimately provide comprehensive support to entrenched rough sleepers in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees,” commented Simon on the Streets’ chair of trustees Louise Lapish.

Restore appoints new numbers chief amid in line first quarter trading

AIM-listed support services company Restore has recruited Neil Ritchie has its CFO, effective from October. Ritchie succeed Adam Councell, who will step down in August. Prior to this, Ritchie was the CFO at Mulberry Group, before which he was an executive at Dyson.

Chairman of Restore Martin Towers stated: “He brings a wealth of experience in high growth and listed businesses and will be an excellent addition to the leadership team.”

Mogrify confirms new COO

Cell therapies group Mogrify has appointed Joe Foster as the chief operating officer. In his role at Mogrify, Foster will manage corporate operations and drive its IP management function. In addition, the company has appointed 15 new recruits to its scientific and management teams as it has moved to the Bio-innovation Centre at the Cambridge Science Park.

Transport and logistics company brings in new operations director

Transport company Speed Welshpool has hired Chris Tandy as the new operations director. Prior to this, Tandy managed UK trunking at City Link and was responsible for running the UK van fleet at Sainsbury’s.

“Appointing Chris demonstrates the importance we place on recruiting the best people in the industry. This is a brand-new position and will be instrumental in moving the business forward when continuing our leading growth, improving our service and becoming more efficient at what we do. We’re committed to going further for our customers – and with the great deal of experience Chris has brought with him, his appointment will stand us in good stead as we grow and develop the business in the local area,” stated George Edwards, managing director of Speed Welshpool.

Falkenberg steps down as CEO of Nobia

Owner of Magnet, Gower and Rixonway Kitchens in the UK Nobia has announced that its chief executive Morten Falkenberg will step down from his role after serving for nine years in the position. Falkenberg intends to take over as industrial adviser for Nobia’s largest owner Nordstjernan. Meanwhile, Jon Sintorn will replace him from 1 September 2019. Sintorn joins from wheelchair firm Permobil, where he served as the president and CEO.

Fetch’s Greg Grimmer to be the new CEO of Mediatel

Media group Mediatel has appointed Greg Grimmer as its new CEO, effective 1 July 2019. Grimmer joins from digital agency Fetch, where he served as the global COO. The current CEO of Mediatel Derek Jones will step down to take over as the executive chairman of Mediatel. Mike Kirkham, the current chairman, will step down after being at the helm during the most successful years of Mediatel’s growth.

Commenting upon his new role, Grimmer stated: “Having decided to take a well-earned rest after the five fantastic and high-octane years at Fetch I was determined to only accept a new role that would both excite and challenge me. Mediatel is a business I have known throughout my agency life, and Derek and his team are people I like, respect, and am looking forward to working with. Despite its continued financial success, the popularity of its news platforms, and recent expansion into new areas, parts of the Mediatel business remain something of a secret gem. Together with the existing management team we aim to change that, and make much more positive noise in the UK media industry and further afield.”

Aminex CEO steps down for health reasons; Non-Exec made interim CEO

London Stock Exchange premium-listed upstream oil and gas provider Aminex announced that its CEO Jay Bhattacherjee is stepping down from his immediately due to health reasons. Meanwhile, the Senior Non-Executive Director Tom Mackay has been appointed as the interim CEO, effective immediately.

Natural resources investment company Solo Oil made a statement on behalf of its partner Aminex: “We wish Jay all the best with his health issues and hope for a speedy recovery. We look forward to working with Tom in the interim and then with the permanent CEO as we continue to forge a closer JV relationship with Aminex that benefits Solo’s investments in Ruvuma and Kiliwani North.”

New CFO for North East tech talent firm

Cranford Group, UK’s IT resourcing specialist, has appointed Matthew Hardill as its chief financial officer. Hardill joins the group with over 20 years of industry experience.

The CEO of Cranford Group David Bentley, Matthew’s brother-in-law said: “Trusting relationships are very important to us as an organisation, and we pride ourselves on having a close-knit, family-focused team. This is one of the primary reasons I approached Matthew to become our finance director – he has all of the credentials we need, plus I’ve known him for 25 years! I’m delighted to welcome him to Cranford Group in the month we celebrate a decade in business.”

Coeliac UK appoints food waste expert as CEO

Charity for people with coeliac disease Coeliac UK has recruited Hilary Croft as its CEO, effective 3 June 2019. Croft will replace Sarah Sleet. Croft joins from UK food charity The Felix Project where she was the CEO. She has worked with companies such as Marks & Spencer, Coca-Cola, Compass Group and World Duty Free Europe, and brings wealth of knowledge and experience to Coeliac UK.

Commenting upon her new role, Croft said: “I am excited to be taking up the CEO role at Coeliac UK, a charity with a truly unique health and food scope. I look forward to developing the charity’s strong reputation, bringing fresh ideas and strategic insights. Naturally, my direct experience of coeliac disease, through my son’s condition, further motivates me to achieve real and lasting change for the gluten free community.”

 

Comments are closed.