A new chair has been announced to lead Greggs Foundation, the independent grant-making charity attached to the Newcastle food-on-the-go favourite Greggs plc.
The foundation has appointed Joanna Dyson as its new chair with immediate effect, taking over from Andrew Davison who is stepping down after nearly 25 years as a trustee.
The Greggs Foundation has been in operation since 1987 when it was set up by Ian Gregg, the son of the company’s founder. It aims to build stronger and healthier communities to address poverty, hardship and inequality and is best known for its breakfast club programme around the North East and further afield.
Ms Dyson joins from FareShare where she was until recently head of food. Before that she worked at a number of major food retailers, holding senior level roles in buying, supply chain and logistics. Ms Dyson also worked as a consultant to industry and as an advisor to the Department of Health, supporting their work in promoting healthy eating and combating obesity.
She is also a trustee and previous chair of HENRY, a charity which enables healthy childhoods. Earlier this year Ms Dyson was awarded an OBE for services to charitable food distribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, in recognition of the role that she and FareShare played throughout that period.
Ms Dyson said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as chair of the Foundation. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to be part of this fantastic organisation that makes such a difference to so many individuals and local communities. I look forward to working with the Foundation team and the board of trustees and building on the tremendous legacy that Andrew Davison leaves as he retires after many years’ service as chair.”
Sunderland-based communication consultancy Creo Comms has appointed a new agency manager to help drive forward the growth of the business.
Laura Farley joins the city centre agency with over 10 years’ experience working in marketing communications, events, sales and people management.
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Having previously worked in the marketing and communications team at Sunderland housing association, Gentoo, and more recently as business development manager for independent hospital group, Spire Healthcare, she will be responsible for the smooth running of Creo Comms and ensure the business has the right systems and processes in place to maintain exceptional standards of customer care and services to its clients.
She said: “I’m thrilled to have joined the team at Creo Comms. I’m looking forward to the new challenge and working closely with the team to ensure we are delivering what we set out to do.”
Stockton social media agency Social Allies has appointed Rich Himsworth as non-executive director and Gianni Casagrande as operations director.
The appointments will see the agency further bolster their offering by introducing both paid social and performance marketing services.
Mr Himsworth, who is also CEO at leading eCommerce Tech firm Salesfire said: “I am excited to be able to share my experience and background with Jess and Gianni. The passion and expertise the team has, is matched with their ambition to become one of the North’s leading social media agencies.”
Gianni Casagrande previously led Moda in Pelle’s digital marketing strategy as well driving the social performance for retailers such as Sara Davies’ Crafter’s Companion site and the Wave Spa at Futcom, his media agency.
He said: ‘It’s incredible to see the growth Social Allies have had over the last couple of years. Adding a paid social and performance marketing element to the mix will be game-changing for the business’.
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Robson Laidler Accountants in Newcastle and Durham has expanded its marketing team with the appointment of James Bray as digital marketing executive.
Mr Bray has joined the firm after graduating from Northumbria University with a first-class degree in entrepreneurial business management and will now support the firm with its business development targets.
Whilst studying, Mr Bray set up his own small business, where he taught himself digital marketing skills.
He said: “I am excited to be joining the Robson Laidler team, I feel I can make an impact by bringing some fresh digital marketing ideas to the table. After hearing about Robson Laidler’s goals for expansion, and more importantly, its strong value-based culture, I knew this was a rare opportunity I wanted to be part of.”
Newcastle inflatable hot tub company Wave Spa has appointed experienced retail leader Beatrice Lafon as its non executive chair.
Ms Lafon brings over 35 years of European and US retail experience, having worked for blue chip retailers such as Marks & Spencer, J Sainsbury’s – where she launched the first DIY transactional website in the world in 2000 – BSkyB and the Kingfisher Group, as well as businesses such as River Island, Tchibo, Claire’s, TJHughes, and Kondor.
She operated at CEO level for nearly 20 years across the 海角视频, Europe and the US and is known for her expertise in turning around businesses.
She said: “I am thrilled that Dan and Tom, founders of Wave, chose me as their chair, following the investment from Growth Partner earlier on this year. This is a dynamic team and a fast growing business in a most exciting category.’’
Roofing and building maintenance specialist Hodgson Sayers has appointed David Greenwood as finance director.
Mr Greenwood joins with extensive industry knowledge having previously worked as head of finance at Diamond Group in Gateshead.
Established in 1979, Hodgson Sayers operates nationally from its headquarters in Stanley and a facility in Nottingham, offering specialist skills in roofing, building works, fencing and metalwork fabrication.
Mr Greenwood said: "This is an impressive company with a great history, strong reputation and clear vision for the future.”