A new advisory board has been appointed to drive forward Dynamo, the region’s tech network.
New board members include representatives from some of the North East’s leading technology companies, further education and higher education.
The new board members are: Andy Lawson, head of welfare, economy and justice at AWS; Dylan McKee, co-founder, Nebula Labs; James Beard, COO, Tombola; Kevin Beales, founder of My Sales Coach; Manila McLean, CIO, Newcastle Building Society; Michelle Gettins, CMO, iamproperty.com; Paul Featonby, technology director at Tharsus; Ronnie Peet, global director – enterprise reporting and digital marketing, Sage; Shannon Smith, service delivery manager at Waterstons; Deni Chambers, director of curriculum and skills at Gateshead College and Lauren Bradshaw, deputy director, communications and development at Teesside University.
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Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo and Sunderland Software City, added: “We have further and higher education represented on the board as they play an important part in ensuring our pipeline of talent into the industry matches the need of companies.”
Dynamo has also appointed Al Alzein as the organisation’s new membership engagement manager.
Creative agency Jump has announced three key appointments as part of developing a new marketing arm of the business.
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The Newcastle firm has appointed Jenny Henry as a graphic designer, and Jen Yeo and Jake Johnston as marketing assistants. The new appointments take the headcount at the consultancy to 17.
Rob Brown, managing director, said: "We’re pleased to welcome Jenny, Jake and Jen to the team. They each bring a unique set of skills and help strengthen the breadth and depth of our marketing division, it’s great to have them onboard. They join us at an exciting time in Jump’s growth journey.
"We’ve recently received fresh investment from NEL Fund Managers to help us scale up to meet demand for our outsourced services. Increasingly, our clients rely on us to not only develop their brand but to activate it across digital channels and our strengthened marketing team enables us to do just that."
SIX Baltic, the rooftop restaurant on the Quayside has appointed Chris Hall as its new head chef.
Mr Hall brings experience from renowned restaurants, including Thomas Carr @ The Coast, Rothay Manor, and the four AA rosette restaurant Tissali at The Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, St Helier. Taking over from SIX’s former head chef Danielle Ritchie, who joined the team in 2011, he will work under food director Greg Lambert at the modern, fine dining restaurant, to create a contemporary British menu.
He said: "The moment the opportunity arose at SIX, I eagerly embraced the chance to return home to take on the role at this popular rooftop restaurant. SIX’s refreshing commitment to sustainable collaboration with local producers resonates perfectly with the menu I aspire to create under food director Greg Lambert."
Mr Lambert said: "Chris’ relentless drive and ambition to support SIX in our pursuit of accolades is commendable. His distinctive style and approach perfectly embody the qualities we value in our kitchen. I’m looking forward to witnessing his culinary expertise, giving life to elegant dishes that effortlessly combine simplicity with unparalleled flavours and presentation, setting a new standard within the region."
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North East businessman and entrepreneur Dr Ian Baggett has been appointed a professor in practice for Durham University Business School’s departments of finance, and management and marketing.
The Professors in Practice initiative brings experienced professionals from a variety of disciplines and sectors into the classroom to share their skills, insights and knowledge directly with students, supplementing an academic curriculum with a first-hand, senior-level insight into current industry thinking.
Mr Baggett, the founder, owner and CEO of Adderstone Group, will deliver guest lectures and support the development of postgraduate curriculum at the Business School in relation to real-estate finance, and entrepreneurship.
Professor Cathy Cassell, executive dean of Durham University Business School said: “Our Professor in Practice initiative has brought an invaluable wealth of expertise and real-world perspective into our classrooms and curriculums. Ian’s knowledge and his passion for the North East, alongside his immeasurable success as an entrepreneur and across the real estate industry, provides us with a tangible link into areas important for the future development, both in the North East and beyond. We look forward to welcoming him back to the campus and to the classroom."
North East civil and structural engineers RWO has made several new appointments.
Lisa Simpson joins as associate director at the Seaton Burn business, bringing experience in steel structures and civil engineering. Callum Webster and Paul Florescu have joined as structural engineer and graduate structural engineer respectively. Matty Atkinson steps up to the role of senior structural engineer, while the company’s Stokesley-based geotechnical department has welcomed senior geotechnical engineer Kate Russell.
Managing director Ross Oakley said: “Our strength lies in our people, so I’m delighted to welcome Lisa, Callum and Paul to RWO. They are experienced and talented people with values that align closely with our business so, I look forward to working closely with them as they build their careers with us. Huge congratulations also to Matty on his promotion, which is extremely well deserved and reflects the high standard of services he provides to clients.”