Career moves including RBS, Superdry and UPS

RBS selects Alison Rose as next chief executive

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has chosen Alison Rose as its new chief executive, making her the first woman to lead one among Britain’s major lenders.  She has served the bank for over 25 years and will succeed Ross McEwan. Her appointment is being considered by city regulators and will be announced shortly. Rose’s career at RBS began way back in the early 1990s.

Superdry appoints Nick Gresham as permanent finance chief

Fashion retailer Superdry has taken on board Nick Gresham as its permanent finance head. Gresham was appointed interim chief financial officer in May. Commenting upon Gresham’s appointment, Peter Williams, chairman of Superdry said: “Nick has made a great impact since joining Superdry in an interim capacity.”

UPS hires Pepsi executive to be CFO as Richard Peretz retires

Logistics company UPS has appointed Brian Newman as its CFO. Newman will succeed Peretz who will step down in December to ensure a smooth transition. Newman joins the firm after serving PepsiCo for 26 years where he most recently served as CFO.

He also brings along international experience having worked in Asia, Europe and the US where he looked after finance and operations across Latin America. Prior to PepsiCo, Newman was an investment banker. Commenting upon Newman’s appointment, David Abney, chief executive, UPS said: “Brian’s deep finance knowledge and broad cross-functional experience will be a great asset as we continue our transformation.”

Aegon names new CEO

Insurer Aegon is set to appoint Lard Friese as its chief executive officer. He will take up office on 1 March 2020 as CEO-designate and will succeed Alex Wynaendts. Friese currently serves as the chief executive officer of NN Group. He has more than 30 years of financial services experience and served Aegon between 1993-2003. The appointment has been approved by the company’s regulators and Aegon’s works council.

Speaking about his appointment, Friese said: “I am delighted to be joining Aegon as the next chief executive officer at an exciting time for the business. Aegon has a long history of innovation, developing valued-added products and services for its customers, and well-known brands which provide financial security for people across the globe. I look forward to working together with the management team to fully capitalise on the company’s opportunities.”

Allianz Care appoints CFO

Insurance service providers, Allianz Care has appointed Diane Babson as its chief financial officer as Frank Mee, financial director and deputy chief executive has decided to step down. Babson who took up office in July, joined Allianz Partners in 2015 as CFO for the US and Americas region. She has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry. Mee has decided to retire after serving the group for over 30 years.

Speaking about Diana Babson’s appointment, Ida Luka-Lognoné, CEO, Allianz Care said: “Diane is a seasoned finance executive with vast experience, and we are delighted she is joining us following a number of very successful years leading the finance operations for the US and Americas. Diane is a strong leader and strategic business partner, and I am very much looking forward to working with her at Allianz Care.”

2Heads adds trio of directors amid growth

Experiential marketing agency 2Heads has taken on board Eamon Campbell as its finance director to further its growth strategy. The firm has also appointed Nick Rosier as digital and content director and Rebecca Lilley as global HR director to its senior operational team. Commenting upon the appointments, Craig Wildman, global managing director of 2Heads, said: “Our strategic hires have been made to support our ambitious growth plans while remaining true to our mission of providing innovative and meaningful experiences for all clients. We have an incredibly talented team and welcome Nick, Rebecca and Eamon who I’m sure will make a big impact.”

Lendable brings in New COO

Technology-enabled funding provider Lendable has appointed Des Denning as its new chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Denning will oversee the firm’s internal operations and finances. He brings along over 20 years of experience in the financial industry with a background in operations, finance and compliance as he served as COO/CFO at Eisenstat Capital Partners, Arrowgrass Capital Partners where he was global head of operations.

Speaking about Des Dennings’ appointment, Chris Wehbé, Executive Chairman, Lendable said: “Having worked closely with Des over the past 15 years, I am excited for the skills and expertise he brings to the team. Des’s work will ensure we are providing a world-class experience for our investors, from family offices to large institutions.”

C.H. Robinson announces Mike Zechmeister as new CFO

Logistics and Supply Chain services provider has appointed Mike Zechmeister as its new chief financial officer. Zechmeister who has more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry will take up office on 3 September 2019. Prior to this role, he served as CFO at United Natural Foods (UNFI). He also worked at General Mills where he served as vice president of finance for the Pillsbury division, US retail sales and treasurer.

Commenting upon his appointment, Zechmeister said: “I am thrilled to join C.H. Robinson at this time of significant opportunity. Robinson is an industry leader with a strong financial position, great culture, and powerful platform for growth. I look forward to further developing the strong Finance organization and working with Bob and the leadership team to lead the company into its next phase of growth.”

Gerhard Dambach to be the new CFO of BSH Hausgeräte

Home appliances manufacturer BSH Hausgeräte has brought on board Gerhard Dambach as its new CFO and labour relations director. He will be responsible for the North America region and will also be a part of the board. He has held various senior leadership roles including managerial positions in finance and controlling. He currently serves as the president of the German-Italian Chamber of Commerce.

Overseeing finance and controlling, Dambach will take up office on 1 September 2019. Commenting upon Dambach’s appointment, Prof. Dr. Stefan Asenkerschbaumer, Chairman of BSH’s Supervisory Board said: “Gerhard Dambach has many years of international experience within the Bosch Group and great expertise in finance and human resources. We are therefore very pleased to appoint him to the Board of Management of BSH.”

UNFI appoints John W. Howard As interim CFO

Natural and organic foods distributor United Natural Foods (UNFI) has made appointments to its senior management team. Mike Zechmeister will step down from his role as CFO to pursue another opportunity while John Howard will serve as interim CFO. The firm will begin the search process for a permanent replacement internally and externally.

Commenting upon the appointments, Steven L. Spinner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented: “I thank Mike for his contributions to UNFI over the past four years of significant growth and change. In the near term, we’re fortunate to have John’s experience and financial acumen available to our board, leadership team, and finance organization. John will help continue our efforts to align and build a world-class finance organization, focusing on financial planning data, systems, and processes to drive and achieve our strategic business objectives.”

Eventbrite appoints new CFO following Q2 results

Ticketing and event technology platform Eventbrite has brought on board Lanny Baker as its CFO. Baker will succeed Randy Befumo who has served the firm as CFO since 2016 will now move into the role of chief strategy officer. Commenting upon Baker’s appointment, Julia Hartz, chief executive, Eventbrite said: “cannot think of a better partner to help lead the company in its next phase of growth.”

Leidos appoints new chief executive to lead UK business

Innovative technology and solutions provider Leidos has appointed Simon Fovargue as its new chief executive of Leidos UK and will take up office on 7 October 2019. Fovargue will oversee the strategy as well as delivery of innovative solutions for customers in government, operations and logistics, defence, transportation, energy and health markets. Prior to this role, Fovargue served as vice president of Defence at DXC Technology and chief executive officer of the ATLAS Consortium. He has also served as an army officer in the British Army for 19 years. Fovargue will succeed Matt Wiles who will take on a part-time strategic advisory role with the organisation. Wiles served as chief executive since January 2018.

RSMB names media researcher Chris Mundy as CEO

Media Researcher RSMB has brought on board Chris Mundy as its chief executive. He will succeed Steve Wilcox who has decided to step down from a full-time role at the company. Mundy will join from Clearcast where he serves as MD, he has also served as head of audiences at the BBC, head of research at Sky, head of research at Eurosport. He also served Carlton as research manager. Following the completion of his notice term at Clearcast, Mundy will join RSMB, until then Wilcox will remain as vice chairman on a part-time basis.

Speaking about Mundy’s appointment, Peter Thomas, chairman, RSMB said: “We are pleased that, after an extensive international search, RSMB is able to appoint Chris as the company’s next Chief Executive. He brings long experience in audience research and analysis, as well as a proven track record at Clearcast in running and growing a market leading business.”

MullenLowe appoints Danny Donovan as Mediahub UK CEO

Advertising and marketing communications agency MullenLowe has taken on board Danny Donovan as chief executive of Mediahub. Donovan who brings along more than 30 years of experience will join the leadership team in November and will work with John Moore, global president of Mediahub and Jeremy Hine, CEO of MullenLowe Group UK.

Prior to this role, Donovan served MediaCom’s leadership team for over nine years and most recently as managing director for retail and commerce. The company also announced a trio of senior global, EMEA and UK leadership promotions, Nick Lawson was promoted to global chief operating officer, Josh Krischefski serves as EMEA chief executive replaced Lawson and Kate Rowinson succeeds Krischefski as UK chief executive.

Comments are closed.