Businesses based across the North West have announced more than 20 top appointments and promotions over the last week.
Companies with operations in the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and further afield have been in contact with BusinessLive since our most recent North West round up.
Firms in sectors from as diverse as sport, law, social media and digital marketing are among those who have made a series of moves in the last seven days.
If you have a new or recent appointment or promotion that you would like featured in our next round up, please e-mail jon.robinson@reachplc.com.
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Here, BusinessLive runs through the latest North West appointments announced in the last week that you shouldn't miss.
Liverpool FC
A senior director is set to returned to Liverpool FC less than a year after leaving.
Ben Latty will take up his new role as commercial director in March after working as group commercial director at Bristol Sport since August 2021.
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Mr Latty had previously been vice president for global partnership sales at the Premier League club before departing.
He first joined Liverpool in July 2013 as global partnership development manager and was promoted three times during his previous stint with the club.
Liverpool said Mr Latty's main focus will be leading the partnerships team while developing opportunities to grow commercial revenues. He will also be a member of the club’s executive team.
Clarion Wealth Planning
Clarion Wealth Planning has announced four new appointments.
The Alderley Edge firm has hired chartered financial planner Ella Davies, associate financial planner Jebun Kazi, Robin Townsend, Clarion’s first compliance director.
Isabelle Spencer has also joined the firm's adviser client support team.
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Ella Davies said: "I chose to join Clarion because of its professionalism. It absolutely aligns with my approach to true financial planning and the high standards I adhere to for my clients.
"My personal objective is to help more female clients take control of their financial future. Female advisers are few and far between and female chartered fellows even more so.
"I think this is part of the reason women are less likely to seek financial advice so hopefully, I will be helping to change that."
mmadigital
Manchester-based law firm customer acquisition specialist mmadigital has announced the appointment of Ben Hughes as its new head of compliance.
He will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a company-wide regulatory compliance programme for the business and its associated consumer brands, The Compensation Experts and The Medical Negligence Experts.
Mr Hughes said: "I’m excited to join mmadigital at such an important stage of its development. I look forward to working with the management team to really drive compliance to the forefront of the business as we expand our reach into new products and markets."
Chief financial officer Steve Evans added: "I am so pleased to welcome Ben to the team in what is a significant hire for the business.
"The industry continues to go through rigorous regulatory changes, and Ben’s role will be crucial to help us effectively execute and capitalise on our plans for growth and innovation."
Click Consult
Cheshire-headquartered Click Consult has appointed Julie Sowa as its new managing director.
She said: "We continue to operate in a very competitive space and over the next 12 months, R&D will remain at the forefront.
"It is crucial that we can continue to deliver the most creative and dynamic strategies which realise the results that our clients need and expect.
"A key focus for this is on the talent at the agency. I know that by investing in the people we have, and new talent across the business, we can continue to stand out and grow both our clients and as an agency.
"I have been with Click Consult for almost 12 years, and have worked in various roles within the business, each with their own challenges and responsibilities. It's this experience and the incredible team around me that will ensure we make the right decisions to drive us forward.
"Onboarding the right new business in a sustainable way will be the benchmark for success.
"Commercial growth is a must, however, and I believe that we are very well positioned to achieve that during my first 12 month as MD."
Stream Sensing
Manchester-based Stream Sensing, a spin-out of Industrial Tomography Systems (ITS), has appointed Rob Travis as director of business development.
Prior to this, Mr Travis was a global commercial marketing manager within Videojet’s strategic accounts team.
Before that he was a global account manager with responsibility for Mondeléz International and Heineken.
He also previously worked for Schneider Electric in various roles.
Mr Travis said: "I’m excited to be joining Stream Sensing at such a pivotal time. Digital manufacturing and innovation are key drivers in any global FMCG or food and beverage business and the team has developed a unique solution - the stunning process control advantages of the technology really speak for themselves.
"Rolling it out with the accounts we are already engaged with, plus other global household names can propel Stream Sensing into a unique space with a very viable business.
"With the system already being trialled with major players, we are confident that the next months and years will see this technology becoming a critical part of many process plants across a variety of sectors."
Innova Solutions
Lancashire-based Innova Solutions, a manufacturer of high strength bonding and sustainable adhesives, has announced the appointment of Liam Dunleavey as commercial director.
In his new role, he will hold overall responsibility for 海角视频 field sales, marketing, and technical functions and will work closely with sales director Spencer Kelly.
Mr Dunleavey said: "I’m thrilled to have earned the role of commercial director and look forward to taking on the challenge and helping to deliver Innova Solution’s next growth phase.
"The past two years have been a challenging time for many, and our focus is now firmly on the future and offering the best products and support to our customers.
"One of my first tasks is to address current pressures on margins – created by strain on the wider 海角视频 economy – so we can pass savings on to our customers, without whom we wouldn’t exist."
ActiveWin
Manchester-based digital marketing agency ActiveWin has announced the appointment of Joshua Gamble as its new managing director.
Mr Gamble has been with the business since 2015.
He said: "I am delighted to step into the role of MD with the backing of an exceptional team around me and the support of our clients.
"We have cultivated a company of highly skilled digital specialists here at ActiveWin, doing what they love for some exceptional clients and I want to continue to build on this. Our aim is to work with great people and drive efficiencies at such a cost sensitive period.
"I believe that providing digital solutions to our clients has always stood us in good stead, so delivering more of what they require is the right move.
"Our clients are our partners, we operate as an extension of their business, hence our success is underpinned by their results, all of which is achieved through our art of digital acquisition."
Social Chain
Manchester-headquartered Social Chain 海角视频 has appointed Sam Barrett as managing director of its media division.
As managing director of Social Chain Media, Mr Barrett will be responsible for growing its portfolio of brands to include new titles and markets.
He will also oversee the media division’s first-party data-led services, as well as its ongoing social commerce objectives associated with its brands’ own retail shops - including the GameByte Shop and the SPORF store.
Mr Barrett said: "Social Chain is such a varied company and our media brands represent some of our most comprehensive and scalable strengths, so I’m incredibly excited and proud to lead this division and stand out as one of the 海角视频’s most prominent publishers."
Savills
International real estate advisor Savills has appointed 海角视频 board director James Evans, as head of national office agency.
Mr Evans is currently head of Savills Manchester office, a role which he will also continue, and has been with the business since 2006.
He has been involved in a number of significant office schemes in Manchester including: St Peters Square, First Street, Mayfield, The Lincoln, 125 Deansgate and Circle Square.
Mr Evans said: "The regional office markets have been through a period of fundamental change over the last two years as occupiers and landlords adjust to the impacts of the pandemic.
"With the office world returning to greater levels of activity it is a very exciting time to be a part of this market and I am very much looking forward to working with our already strong national network to provide the best service to new and existing clients."
Primas Law
Primas Law, which has offices in Manchester, Cheshire and London, has announced the appointment of a new senior litigation associate.
Carl Sebastian has joined the litigation team to strengthen its service offering following a period of significant growth for the firm.
Mr Sebastian specialises in finance, mortgage and banking litigation, professional negligence, and construction litigation and joins the firm from Kuits Solicitors.
Before training as a solicitor and graduating top in his year at Manchester Law School, he worked in property, advertising and the arts.
He said: "I’m delighted to have joined such an ambitious and forward-thinking law firm, and their growth across the region is evidence of this. I have always wanted to work with such a talented litigation team and this team is definitely one to watch.
"I was also drawn to the straightforward approach and the way they work with clients. After dealing with different law firms during my previous career in business, I can appreciate how receptive clients are of such a refreshing attitude to getting things done. I look forward to being part of the firm’s further growth this year."
JLL
JLL has appointed Rhys Evans in the Manchester office agency team to grow its tenant representation capability.
Mr Evans said: "Providing solutions for occupiers is really rewarding. We recently moved to new offices at Landmark where we created a vibrant, flexible, collaborative, sustainable space embracing the circular economy and achieving a platinum Well accreditation that embraces health and wellbeing agendas.
"This is a growing area of interest to tenants and we are well placed to advise occupiers looking to reshape and grow their operations.
"It is an exciting time given the demand changes in the market currently and I am looking forward to extending our local capability, working with our national and international occupier teams to deliver best in class advice."
Hunter Price International
Greater Manchester-based consumer products business Hunter Price International has made a new hire.
Brand and licensing expert Nikki Samuels has joined as commercial director.
Mr Samuels is a former licensing director and founder of character product manufacturer, Sambro.
He said: "When you set foot in Devon Mill – the home of Hunter Price, you’re hit with such an incredible energy of excitement and passion.
"The talent and drive to create outstanding products is like no other business I’ve known and that’s what brought me here.
"We’ve got really solid foundations as a business and now its time to maximise our opportunities and potential across our core categories in the 海角视频 and throughout Europe.
"It’s a really exciting time and we’re looking forward to sharing lots more with you about our plans throughout the year."
UA92
UA92, the higher education institution co-founded by the Class of ‘92 and Lancaster University, has appointed Professor Gary Pritchard as chief academic officer.
Professor Pritchard joins Manchester-based UA92 following an extensive career in higher education, most recently in his role as academic pro vice chancellor at Ravensbourne University London.
Previously, he held positions as dean at the University of Wales, founding dean of Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design and associate dean at Newport School of Art, Media & Design.
Professor Pritchard said: "I’m so pleased to be joining UA92 in its ambition to reach students of all backgrounds and build upon the fantastic work already undertaken to deliver high quality education which is underpinned by strong links to industry.
"I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to build upon UA92’s reputation to offer world-class experiences which prepare and equip students for the world of work in every way possible."
Weightmans
Liverpool-headquartered law firm Weightmans has appointed a dedicated ESG manager and general counsel.
The firm has appointed James Holman as general counsel and to its board as strategic head of risk.
Mr Holman first joined Weightmans in 1989, qualifying as a solicitor in 1992 before becoming a partner in 1997.
He said: "Following a successful four years leading the risk and compliance functions, I am looking forward to taking up this important new role as general counsel.
"Being on the board will ensure that risks are considered from the very beginning of strategic decision-making and can help ensure both clients and our internal stakeholders have the most relevant advice.
"The position also mirrors that which a number of our clients have within their corporate structures, so this will allow us to more easily facilitate conversations with them and provide an even better service."
Abhay Srivastava, who has over 13 years’ experience, has also joined Weightmans from Shell where he spent the last five years to help the firm better integrate environmental, social and governance factors into its operations.
BDO
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has made two new hires to its tax risk team as the business continues to invest in growth in the regions.
Salman Anwar joins as associate director for the Midlands and North and brings experience from working in an advisory firm and for HMRC.
He will support clients with a range of aspects of managing tax risk, including dealing with enquiries from HMRC and working with businesses and individuals facing investigations.
Haris Rehman has been appointed as a manager in the team. He has also built a track record in helping clients with HMRC enquiries, having started his career as a fraud and investigations specialist at HMRC where he spent five years.
Mr Anwar said: "BDO’s reputation in the market with clients, combined with its supportive culture made the move a compelling one. Because of my experience working at HMRC, I understand how an investigation is run inside-out.
"I’m really looking forward to working with the wider BDO teams to give our clients peace of mind when it comes to their tax risk and ultimately to help them succeed."
Grant Thornton 海角视频 LLP
Grant Thornton 海角视频 LLP has appointed Dave Hillan as head of tax in Liverpool.
Prior to his new role, Mr Hillan was at the firm’s Birmingham office for 11 years, where he worked as office managing partner and headed up the tax team, providing corporate tax services to a range of organisations from start-ups to large multinationals.
He replaces Neil Sturmey who has now retired after over 30 years with the firm.
Mr Hillan said: "It’s fantastic to be based back in Liverpool, where I started my first ever job over 30 years ago.
"We have a really strong and enthusiastic team here and I am hugely excited at the prospect of helping them continue with their growth.
"It’s a particularly exciting time to join the team too as the scale of investment by businesses here continues.
"Business leaders in Liverpool City Region have proven themselves to be resilient, agile and innovative, and we’re helping our dynamic client-base focus on moving forward with confidence for 2022, as well as paving the way for new prospective clients."