Category Archives: Appointments

Appointments, London News, News, South East

CovertSwarm strengthens leadership team with three key senior appointments

CovertSwarm, the leading global red team, and cybersecurity solution provider, has announced three new senior hires to its senior leadership team in anticipation of significant growth in the coming year.

Neil Jefferies joins as the Finance Director, bringing extensive experience supporting AIM-listed companies and overseeing large-scale exits. Ronan McCrory has been recruited as Head of Product and joins from industry competitor, Cobalt.io. Meanwhile, Santi Quintana, with more than a decade of international product marketing experience, joins as the business’ first Head of Marketing. 

These strategic hires coincide with CovertSwarm’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the conventional Attack Surface Management (ASM) market. Following a highly successful 2023, the London-based company is poised to expand its operations into North America in 2024. The company was also named in the latest Startups 100 Index, recognising the UK’s pioneering startups sparking change across every sector.

During 2023, the London-based company announced it had become the youngest organisation to join the Beech Tree Private Equity portfolio after receiving investment earlier this year (ranging between £10 million – £30 million), enabling its ambitious organic growth strategy and accelerating the development of its proprietary “Offensive Operations Center” software.

Anders Reeves, CEO at CovertSwarm, said: “These strategic senior appointments underscore our rapid growth trajectory while affirming our ability to attract top-tier talent from established industry players.

“Our latest hires align with our commitment to revolutionise and disrupt the Attack Surface Management (ASM) sector, challenge the outdated industry norms, and establish a new standard of excellence.

“The addition of key roles in Product, Marketing, Business Development, and Finance also demonstrates our focused expansion in North America, underlining our dedication to enhancing global operations and achieving sustained growth.

“These appointments reflect our continuous pursuit of maturity and prominence in the cybersecurity landscape, emphasising our persistent efforts to punch above our weight and make a resounding impact in the industry.”

 

Appointments, News, Pensions

Mike Birch to move to Vidett from The Pensions Regulator

Vidett, a leading professional trustee and pension governance firm, has announced that Mike Birch will be joining them as a client director in April 2024 from The Pensions Regulator (TPR).

His role with Vidett will see him move into professional trusteeship with a primary focus on defined benefit (DB) schemes with employers experiencing distress or undergoing corporate transactions.

Mike has spent over eleven years at TPR and is currently Director of Supervision. In this role, he is responsible for a team of 80 delivering regulatory supervision of all types of pension scheme.

Commenting on Mike’s appointment, Naomi L’Estrange, Co-Chief Executive at Vidett, said: “We have worked with Mike for many years in his role at The Pensions Regulator and are genuinely excited to soon be able to work with him as a professional trustee colleague. His knowledge and experience are extensive and unique – and will be of great benefit to Vidett’s clients and our team.

Mike’s decision to join us is a great endorsement of Vidett – our culture, our approach, our team and our vision for the future. Pension schemes, their trustees and their sponsors face a huge array of challenges – Mike’s expert knowledge of the regulatory environment will help us find effective solutions to those challenges.”

Mike Birch added: “I am very excited to be joining the talented, market leading team at Vidett. I am looking forward to the opportunity to apply my experience from The Pensions Regulator and, before that, from working in corporate restructuring to being a trustee.”

Vidett is a privately owned business, independent from any other provider of services to corporate pension and employee benefit schemes. With an unrivalled knowledge bank to support client needs, Vidett currently looks after over 475 clients with total assets in excess of £142bn and over 2.5 million scheme members.

Appointments, Employee Benefits, News

Vivup appoints Wayne Story as chairman

Employee benefits and wellbeing provider Vivup has appointed Wayne Story as the firm’s new chairman.

Wayne has held several CEO roles previously, including at public sector software provider Civica and financial services company Equiniti. He’s also been MD of Capita HR.

Wayne’s in-depth experience in both public sector tech software and the employee benefits fields will provide valuable insight and know-how to Vivup as they bring new solutions to market and look to diversify.

Simon Moyle, CEO of Vivup, said: “I am excited to be working with Wayne to build on the incredible success we have had over the past five years. Vivup has grown from a strong employee benefits company supporting the NHS to the leading employee benefits and wellbeing provider across the NHS and public sectors while also establishing our solutions across the private sector.”

Wayne Story, Vivup chairman, said: “I am delighted to have joined Vivup at this exciting time. Vivup’s very successful journey has been built on the strong foundations of clear purpose and vision, directly making a big difference to our clients, the lives of their employees and our employees. I am looking forward to working with the team to develop the business further and continue to deliver exceptional growth.”

Appointments, Logistics, News

New CEO for Kinaxia Logistics

Michael Conroy, a former chief executive of Palletforce, has been appointed as the new CEO of Kinaxia Logistics, succeeding Simon Hobbs who has left after four years to pursue new opportunities.

Simon said of his time at Kinaxia: “We achieved a great deal despite the challenges we faced, and have brought a great business closer together. Kinaxia is now recognised in the UK market as a fresh and capable logistics provider and is well-positioned for its next phase of growth.”

Michael has been recruited to spearhead the next phase of development for Kinaxia, a top 15 UK logistics business with annual turnover of more than £220m.

He led Palletforce through its most significant period of expansion, taking the express freight distribution network’s turnover from £20m to £200m during a 13-year tenure as CEO.

Michael oversaw a £100m strategic investment across the Palletforce business, including the creation of its SuperHub, pioneered award-winning technology and innovation, led the collaboration of over 100 top UK regional hauliers, and was integral in the creation of EV Cargo UK in 2018.

That was followed by a period as CEO of Networks for Culina Group, where he led its digital transformation and achieved significant value creation and financial improvement by focusing on cost reduction, enhanced productivity, and successfully capturing commercial opportunities.

Kinaxia Chairman Graham Norfolk said: “We are delighted to have Michael on board. He is a respected industry figure, with vast experience in senior positions in the UK logistics industry. The board looks forward to working with him as Kinaxia moves into its next stage of development.”

Michael’s remit at Kinaxia will be to lead the group through this next stage of development, with a focus on unlocking further growth potential through scale and technology while simplifying and harmonising company processes, inspiring an inclusive workforce, driving sustainable initiatives and continuing to deliver customer excellence.

He said: “I’m extremely motivated to take up this new position and, despite the expectation of challenging market conditions continuing in 2024, I believe Kinaxia is in a strong position to capitalise on opportunities that exist.

“The business has a unique customer proposition, offering the benefits of a fully-owned and controlled national logistics network, with services delivered directly to customers by our local experts.

“This enables us to develop deep relationships with our existing customers, focus on providing sector-leading service excellence, and win market share from our competitors.”

He added: “Current market dynamics, together with the fragmented nature of the industry, offer a significant opportunity to unlock growth potential.

“We will have an increased focus on leveraging data and technology to reduce waste and improve productivity and efficiency, while also creating value for our customers by developing digital and data-focused solutions that enhance service, provide a competitive advantage and deliver sustainable growth.

“One of our greatest strengths is the talent, expertise and skills which flow throughout Kinaxia. Great people make great businesses, and empowering our workforce by nurturing talent and developing skills will see our people invested in the ethos of ‘one Kinaxia’ and the quality values the brand stands for.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Appointments, Food & Drink, News

Hydes Appoints New Manager to Head Up Popular Chester Pub

A leading North West brewery and pub retailer has appointed a new general manager at its popular premium dining pub, the Hornsmill at Helsby. 

Hydes brewery has appointed Sam Self to run The Hornsmill. 

With almost 15 years of experience in the hospitality trade and having worked at managerial level in and around Merseyside and Cheshire, Sam was previously general manager of a popular pub in Formby for the past 18 months.

In his new role at The Hornsmill, Sam has been instrumental in bringing in new team members as well as working alongside existing employees, some of whom have been there for several years.   

Serving comforting, seasonal food and an extensive range of favourite wines, beers and soft drinks, The Hornsmill is a stylish, modern pub with a spacious orangery dining area alongside a bar restaurant, comfortably serving 160 guests. Sunday lunch service regularly attracts in excess of 350 guests.

Sam commented: “I’m very much looking forward to operating The Hornsmill which is already a hugely successful premium dining pub in the Hydes estate. I’m looking forward to getting to know the team here as well as the surrounding community and all the regulars, and building on the tremendous success that has been built up here. I’ve been interested in food and drink and hospitality since I was a teenager so this opportunity is a dream come true for me. 

“Being so close to Chester, the pub is a great destination venue and its reputation for premium quality food and drinks ensures that visitors want to return. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Hydes team and introducing some fresh new ideas of my own into the mix, which as supportive business operators they welcome and encourage.” 

Hydes operates nearly 50 pubs ranging from Lancaster in the North to Stoke-on Trent in the Midlands and across to North Wales including a wide selection of premium dining destination outlets and traditional community pubs.

Managing director of Hydes Brewery, Adam Mayers said: “Sam is very experienced and well equipped to take The Hornsmill to the next level of success. His enthusiasm and commitment is outstanding and he perfectly embodies all the key customer service attributes that Hydes looks for in its managers.” 

Sam’s appointment is part of an ongoing multi-million pound investment and recruitment programme across the Hydes’ estate. Hydes committed over £4.5m worth of investment in pubs across its estate in 2022 and it intends to increase that investment substantially throughout 2023.

Adam Mayers continued: “Hydes is not only committed to delivering exceptional products and services but also playing an integral role in the communities our pubs serve. Investment in our pubs and our people is top priority and the appointment of Sam Self is a clear demonstration of this commitment to the future of our estate.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

To find out more about Hydes Brewery visit https://www.hydesbrewery.com/.

 

Image caption:

Hydes brewery has appointed Sam Self to run The Hornsmill at Helsby.

Accountancy & Accounts, Appointments, Newport, News

Further appointments support Kilsby Williams’ growth

Newport-based tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has made further appointments to its tax and business services teams as the firm continues its expansion.

 

Ashley Wareham, a Chartered Certified Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, has joined the firm’s tax team as a manager. Ashley brings with him a wealth of experience in tax services for owner managed businesses and VAT advisory work. In his new role, he will oversee a portfolio of personal and corporate tax clients.

Ashley said: “I am delighted to be a part of this firm. I am excited to work with the knowledgeable team at Kilsby Williams and apply my expertise of owner managed businesses to the firm’s extensive client base.”

 

Elizabeth Turner has been appointed as a manager in Kilsby Williams’ business services team. A qualified FCA and ICAEW business finance professional and ILM business coach and mentor, Elizabeth has honed her wide range of skills and technical knowledge through her work in both public and private sector practices.

Elizabeth said: “It’s an exciting time to be starting my new role with Kilsby Williams, as their client portfolio and team continues to grow. I look forward to supporting the firm and its clients with my knowledge and skills.”

 

Joining Elizabeth in the business services team are trainees Charlotte Lewis, Conor Foster, Jake Maddocks and Joshua Raisis. The quartet will support the team with the preparation of accounts, audits and completing stock takes for clients, while also working towards AAT and ICAEW qualifications to progress further in their careers.

 

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We are the largest independent firm in the region and this latest series of appointments boosts our headcount further. We have exceptional clients who we support with our very talented staff. These appointments allow us to continue and improve on services to our growing client portfolio.

“From our enthusiastic trainees to our experienced managers, our clients will benefit greatly from these new additions to our team.”

 

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients from across south Wales, the Midlands and London, ranging from sole traders to companies in international quoted groups.

Appointments, FInance, HR, HR News

Vidett expands business with three strategic appointments in Finance and HR

Vidett, a leading UK professional trustee and pension governance firm, is expanding its business with the appointment of three highly skilled professional in its Finance and HR teams.

Adam Taylor (pictured above) joins as Financial Controller and brings a wealth of experience, including eighteen years spent at the Punter Southall Group, firstly as a management accountant, and later as deputy financial controller. Adam’s responsibilities include the smooth running of the finance operations, building the finance team, implementing new systems, overseeing financial reporting, tax compliance, and managing cash flow. He holds qualifications from CIMA and CGMA and earned a BA in Mathematics from the University of Oxford.

 

Joining Adam in the finance team is management accountant Alex Francis. Previously, Alex worked as an associate consolidation accountant for Waterlogic International, after graduating from the University of Reading in 2021. Alex will be supporting Adam and helping to implement Vidett’s new accounting system. At University, Alex worked as a part time finance intern, gaining knowledge and experience in a variety of roles, including accounts revenue, accounts payable, credit control and financial reporting. He is currently studying for his ACCA Chartered Accountant qualification.

 

In HR, Gemma Stevens joins as an HR Associate, a role that will cover various aspects of the employee lifecycle, including support for recruitment, onboarding, and payroll. Gemma’s HR career started in 2021 at Park Holidays UK, where she gained experience in recruitment, employee relations, and employee branding and engagement. She also has a background in marketing and has strong experience in social media and content writing. Gemma has a degree in Music and Technology from Liverpool University, and a HR support at level 3 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

 

Wayne Phelan, Co-Chief Executive at Vidett, stated: “We’re pleased to welcome Adam, Alex, and Gemma who bring some fantastic experience to our finance and HR teams at a time when we are expanding rapidly.

“Adam will not only provide financial analysis, reporting and strategic planning; he will work with senior management to deliver our business’ growth plans. His in-depth experience and expertise in all areas of financial management will be a real asset.”

“Alex was responsible in his previous role for collating financial information from over 75 subsidiaries worldwide, ensuring group consolidation met key deadlines, whilst working closely with the financial directors and reporting teams. These skills will be invaluable in his new role.”

“Gemma has great relationship building, HR and marketing skills. She also brings creativity and organisational strengths to the team which she used in her previous role to create her employer’s brand, developing a hub portal, and fostering overall employee engagement. We wish Adam, Alex, and Gemma all the very best in their new roles.”

 

Vidett is a privately owned business, independent from any other provider of services to corporate pension and employee benefit schemes. With an unrivalled knowledge bank to support client needs, Vidett currently looks after over 475 clients with total assets in excess of £142bn and over 2.5 million scheme members.

Appointments, News, Tech, Technology

Margot Lannoy Appointed Head Of Sales For Benelux, Dach & Eastern Europe At Panasonic Mobile Business Solutions Europe

Margot will focus on fostering stronger relationships with decision makers in a variety of industries across the Benelux, DACH, and Eastern European regions.

Panasonic Connect Europe has appointed Margot Lannoy as the new Head of Sales for Benelux, DACH and Eastern Europe within its Mobile Solutions division.

Occupying the role once held by Steven Vindevogel, Head of Panasonic Mobile Solutions Europe, Margot will focus on introducing services such as TOUGHBOOK Solutions, Revive, and 5G connectivity solutions to customers and prospects in the Benelux, DACH, and Eastern European regions.

Margot first joined Panasonic TOUGHBOOK in 2011 as a Key Account Manager in Belgium, where she was responsible for projects in the utilities, and transport and logistics sectors. In 2017, Margot was promoted to Country Manager, Benelux, in which she focused on expanding Panasonic TOUGHBOOK’s partner network, and increasing its regional market share.

“My primary focus as Head of Sales across Benelux, DACH, and Eastern Europe will be on ensuring customers and prospects in all regions and sectors have access to our market-leading expertise and industry-leading rugged, modular mobile devices that meets their requirements. Panasonic TOUGHBOOK helps the modern mobile workforce to excel from one day to the next, and make sustainable, reliable investments for the future,” comments Margot.

 

Appointments, News, Pensions

Vidett grows team UK-wide with new senior appointments

Vidett, a leading professional trustee and pension governance firm in the UK, is growing its teams in London, Birmingham and Scotland appointing three senior pensions professionals.

 

Shelly Moledina, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), joins as Associate Director in London and brings over 25 years’ experience gained in-house and with investment management firms. Her experience includes portfolio management and developing products and solutions for pension funds, as well as business development, training and environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Prior to joining, Shelly worked at BAE Pension Fund for almost seven years, first as Head of Investment Grade Credit and later as Chief of Staff. She has also held senior positions at Legal & General Investment Management, Deutsche Asset Management and Gulf International Bank. She is a trustee for the Vincent Wildlife Trust and was part of The Pension Regulator’s Diversity & Inclusion Initiative.

 

Phil Williams joins in Scotland as Associate Director from Mercer, where he worked for over 21 years, most recently as Principal. At Mercer, he worked primarily in actuarial consulting to both trustees and corporates covering all aspects of defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) pensions including strategy, funding, investments and risk transfer.

Recently, Phil has focused on governance roles and represented Mercer on the CBI Scotland council. He has is an Associate of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

 

Matthew Wickett joins the Birmingham office as a Senior Trustee Consultant. With over 25 years’ experience in the pensions industry, the majority of his career has been in pensions administration for various adviser firms. Prior to joining Vidett he worked at XPS for over 17 years as administration manager. He has also worked at Deloitte Consulting and KPMG.

Matthew has built up a vast knowledge and skillset in both DB and DC schemes. His specialisms include guaranteed minimum pension (GMP) rectification, buy ins, buy outs and other de-risking options, member communications, pensions management and trustee secretarial duties. He has a Diploma in Pensions Administration (DipPMI).

 

Commenting on the appointments, Wayne Phelan, Co-Chief Executive at Vidett, stated: “We’re so pleased to welcome Shelly, Phil and Matthew. Shelly’s strengths include her understanding of ESG, credit, sponsor risk, fixed income and liability driven investment (LDI). She combines this knowledge with her strategic vision and organisational skills.

Phil brings his many years of experience as a pension adviser to his new role as a professional trustee, where he’ll help clients understand the complexities and challenges faced by their pension schemes. He also plans to gain accreditation as a member of the Association of Professional Pension Trustees (APPT).

Matthew is a highly experienced pension administration manager who has a common-sense approach and an eye for detail. This will be invaluable to all our clients and pension scheme members. We wish Shelly, Phil and Matthew great success in their new roles and I look forward to working with each of them.”

 

Vidett is a privately owned business, independent from any other provider of services to corporate pension and employee benefit schemes. With an unrivalled knowledge bank to support client needs, Vidett currently looks after over 475 clients with total assets in excess of £142bn and over 2.5 million scheme members.

 

Appointments, HR, HR News, News, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Promotions announced at HR consultancy EffectiveHRM as it aims for further growth

LEADING South Wales HR consultancy EffectiveHRM has made two promotions within its expert team as it positions itself for further growth in 2024.  

Lauren Young and Amelia Kirk have been promoted from HR Administrators to HR Advisors following more than two successful years at the company.  

During their time so far, both Lauren and Amelia have been involved in complex HR investigations, HR policy and contract creation as well as delivering the Day One service – where they support clients by checking-in with their employees when they are off sick. Stepping into the new roles, they will now be managing their own client accounts.  

EffectiveHRM, founded by Emma del Torto in 2011, is one of the leading HR consultancies in South Wales, supporting a range of clients from start-ups to established businesses with positive employee management.   

With more than 25 years’ experience in employment law and HR, Emma established EffectiveHRM with a mission of becoming the UK’s most cost-effective, personable and valuable HR service.  

Amelia began working with the company as a part-time undergraduate, and then joined the team full-time in 2022 after graduating with a First Class Degree in BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management from the University of South Wales and achieving her Level 5 CIPD.  

Lauren joined EffectiveHRM in 2021 with extensive HR and Management experience from the Hospitality sector. Alongside her success in the company, Lauren has just achieved her CIPD Level 5 Diploma in People Management, equipping her further skills.   

Gemma Davis, HR Director at EffectiveHRM, said: “Both Amelia and Lauren have proved how strongly they deserve these positions. Over the past two years they have excelled and pushed themselves to continuously improve in their business. These promotions highlight the high standard of work that we uphold at EffectiveHRM, and I have no doubt that Amelia and Lauren will continue on this upwards trajectory.  

“In 2021 we decided that we would focus on developing and promoting from within our team. We are delighted at how Lauren and Amelia have embraced the opportunity and to see our training and experience paying off. Making in-house promotions opens an exciting recruitment opportunity in our HR Administration team, and strategically positions us for business growth and expansion, new clients and further acquisitions in 2024.”  

EffectiveHRM was established with a mission of becoming the UK’s most cost-effective, personable and valuable HR service. Effective’s expert advisors work on a flexible basis with employers to provide the right tools, practical guidance and easy-to-follow templates needed for good people management.  

Winner of the Wales HR Awards Best HR Consultancy 2020 & 2021, EffectiveHRM’s services include: retained HR support, health and safety, learning and development, and business coaching.