Accountancy tech firm Sage has announced Jacqui Cartin will become chief financial officer (CFO) as Jonathan Howell plans to step down.
The Tyneside-based group said Mr Howell had informed the board of his intention to step down to focus on non-executive work. After 12 years at Sage, including seven as CFO, he will leave at the end of the year.
Ms Cartin, who is currently EVP Group financial controller, will succeed him from January 1, 2026. She has held various finance leadership positions within Sage since joining the business from KPMG in 2018 and has held a broad remit including merger and acquisition integration and digital transformation of finance and sales operations.
Ms Cartin said: "It is a huge honour to be appointed as chief financial officer of Sage. I look forward to joining the board and the executive leadership team as we work together to deliver strong outcomes for all of our stakeholders, including continued success for shareholders."
Andrew Duff, chair of Sage said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Jonathan for his substantial contribution, both as CFO and as a non-executive director. He has shown dedication and leadership during a period of significant growth and transformation for Sage and has driven Sage's financial strategy with a sharp focus on shareholder value. We wish him all the best for the future as he moves on from executive life. Jacqui is exceptionally well qualified to be the new CFO of Sage, and I am looking forward to welcoming her to the Board as we continue to build sustainable growth for shareholders."
Jonathan Howell, CFO said: "It has been both a pleasure and an honour to have worked at Sage over the last 12 years, and I'm proud of the strategic transformation Sage has achieved during that period. I'd like to thank Andrew, Steve and also my many colleagues, past and present, for their support. I'm confident that the future for Sage is an exciting one and I will hand over to Jacqui knowing that the company is well set for many years of continued success."
Chip manufacturer Pragmatic Semiconductor has appointed Steve McCue as chief financial officer and executive director to Pragmatic’s board of directors.
Most recently, McCue was CFO at Cambridge-based pharmaceutical scale-up, Cycle Pharmaceuticals. Before that he was CFO at publicly listed packaging and visual communication media distribution firm Antalis. The chartered management accountant has also held finance leadership roles at advanced manufacturer CP Kelco and operational and finance leadership positions at AVEX Electronics.
David Moore, CEO, Pragmatic Semiconductor said: “I am delighted to welcome Steve to the executive management team at Pragmatic Semiconductor to lead our global finance and corporate services organisation. He joins us at an extremely exciting time, during a period of rapid growth, as we deliver our innovative FlexIC technology through our products, platforms and advanced manufacturing to service global customer demand.
"Steve’s extensive commercial and financial experience, operational leadership and solid track record of scaling international technology businesses will be of tremendous strategic value to the company.”
Mr McCue said: "I am very excited to be joining the Pragmatic Semiconductor team at this important stage in the company's journey. With the scale of global applications spanning multiple industries for our innovative FlexIC semiconductor technology, and the opportunity to bring my experience to bear in helping the business achieve its tremendous success, I very much look forward to the future."
Weardale Heritage Railway has appointed Claire Gibbons as its new general manager, making her the first woman to lead the historic line.
Ms Gibbons joined the railway three years as senior community liaison officer, and is said to have been instrumental in establishing relationships with local residents, businesses, schools, and community groups, ensuring the railway remains at the heart of the region. She will oversee the railway’s continued development, focusing on enhancing its heritage tourism offering and working towards the restoration of passenger services to Weardale.
The Weardale Heritage Railway spans 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate and operates 16 miles between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope. It was rescued from administration by The Auckland Project in 2020 and has since benefitted from more than £3m in investment including repairs and infrastructure improvements. Heritage services and events on the Weardale Railway have been revived - including afternoon teas, wine and cheese trains and the popular Santa Express.
Ms Gibbons said: “The Weardale Railway is a real hidden gem, and I’m thrilled to be leading it into an exciting future. When I first joined three years ago as Senior Community Liaison Officer, I knew little about trains, but working closely with them and even a chance to drive one, I was hooked. I can’t wait to work with the community continuing to deliver fantastic events and experiences that showcase everything this beautiful railway has to offer.”
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and Ms Gibbons will lead a series of celebrations including community clean-ups, the planting of 200 bulbs at each station and 200 native trees and shrubs along the route. There will also be rail tours as part of The Railway 200 Special - including journeys from Carnforth and London Kings Cross to Stanhope in autumn 2025.
Livestock auctioneering, insurance and property group H&H has appointed Robin Anderson as managing director and Scott Donaldson as group director.
Mr Anderson, who is current head of farmstock operations for Harrison & Hetherington, will oversee the entire Farmstock business. With an extensive background in the auction industry, he will assume full responsibility for all staff, financial and operational matters across the business and joins the board of farmstock alongside Scott Donaldson, Laura Millar, and Richard Rankin.
As group director for H&H, Scott Donaldson, who has served as managing director for several years, will now transition into a more externally focused role. He will look to promote and build the livestock trading business and will look after the interests of the company and its shareholders and customers.
Group Chairman Will Hamilton said: "Following positive results and a period of continued growth and profitability, these appointments are the strategic next steps in the evolution and reach of both the Group and H&H Farmstock’s influence. As the Ƶ’s leading livestock auction business, our aim is to ensure the business is fit for the future in terms of innovation.
"We will continue to collaborate with our customers to provide them with the best service levels, utilising our industry-leading live and online auction platforms to maximise their returns. With his extensive experience and industry knowledge, Robin is the perfect leader for our Farmstock operations."
Mr Anderson said: “I’m honoured to take on this new role with Harrison & Hetherington. The livestock industry is a dynamic and challenging sector, but with the support of our excellent team, I am confident we can continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients. My focus will be on streamlining operations, advancing our services, and ensuring that H&H remains at the forefront of the industry with a focus on efficiency and excellence.”
Mr Donaldson said: “I am excited about the opportunity to support Harrison & Hetherington in this new capacity. The livestock and farming industry is evolving rapidly, and my aim is to ensure H&H remains at the forefront of these sectors; adapting to the changing landscape and minimising risk. As a group we must continue to innovate while maintaining the strong customer relationships that have been central to our success. The future of H&H is one of growth and expansion, and I am looking forward to contributing to this.”
