Sedgefield tech firm Filtronic has made two key appointments to its leadership team.
David Marshall joins as director of programmes, while Sarah Shaw has been appointed as general counsel. The appointments follow the recent announcement of Antonino Spatola as the company’s chief commercial officer.
Mr Marshall will oversee Filtronic’s portfolio of critical programmes, driving strategic execution and supporting the company’s expanding customer base in sectors such as defence and space. Before to joining Filtronic he was at Leonardo, where he was most recently vice president, Typhoon radar development. Ms Shaw, who joins from Teledyne, will oversee all legal affairs for the company, and have key responsibility for new commercial contracts.
“We are thrilled to welcome David and Sarah to our leadership team,” said Nat Edington, CEO of Filtronic. “Their diverse backgrounds and industry expertise will be invaluable as we scale the business to the next level.”
Durham architect Howarth Litchfield has welcomed two new studio members. Elle Jarah joins as an architectural assistant having recently obtained a Master of Architecture with distinction at Newcastle University.
Architect Christine Mottershead has over five years of experience gained at other regional firms and specialises in residential, commercial, extra care and heritage projects. At Howarth Litchfield, she is currently working on the refurbishment of a Grade II manor house and a feasibility study for a theatre.
Director Elisa Berry said: “Elle and Christine have joined us at a very busy period in the evolution of the firm.”
North East disability charity The Percy Hedley Foundation has made two new key appointments within communications and fundraising. The Percy Hedley Foundation has welcomed fundraising events officer Helen Mannix and PR and communications executive Ava Hartington.
Ms Mannix joins with a wealth of experience in the third sector, previously working as a challenges and events officer for a children’s mental health charity for four years. Ms Hartington brings PR agency and marketing background to the role, and becomes the first dedicated PR position within the Foundation.
Andew Titmus, communications and engagement manager, said: “The Foundation are excited to welcome Helen and Ava to the team.”
Gateshead tech and security solutions specialist Advantex Network Solutions is set to move forward under the sole leadership of Dave O’Connell. The business was launched in 2002 by brothers Dave and Steve O’Connell, and has seen sales revenues double in 2024 on the back of work secured from the manufacturing, hospitality and education sectors. Now, Dave is set to develop and expand the business further.
He said: “As we move forward, we’re in a prime position to accelerate our growth plans, with a robust pipeline, strong financial performance, and most importantly, a talented team of 70 professionals who share our vision for innovation and service excellence. Our commitment to expanding our workforce and capabilities reflects our confidence in the opportunities ahead, and I’m excited to lead Advantex into this next chapter of growth.”
Newcastle-based train operator Lumo has announced the appointment of Rachel Firth as customer experience and innovation manager. Ms Firth has more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the rail, road, and aviation sectors.
She said: “I’m thrilled to join the Lumo team at such an exciting time. Lumo has built a strong reputation for innovation and putting customers at the heart of everything it does.”
Martijn Gilbert, managing director of Lumo, said: “Rachel’s appointment is a fantastic addition to our team. Her extensive experience and passion for customer experience make her the perfect fit for Lumo.”
Sunderland based Creo Comms has appointed Michael McHugh and Ryan Hogan to boost its web design and digital marketing offer. Mr McHugh’s expertise includes web and UI design, graphic design and front-end web development. He has over two decades’ experience, working with organisations such as Nissan, Stagecoach and the NHS.
Mr Hogan is an experienced digital marketer and brings expertise in e-commerce and SEO, paid social media and customer relationship management.
Louise Bradford added: “I’m delighted to welcome Michael and Ryan to the team. They are both experts in their fields and bring a new dimension to Creo that will enable us to continue our growth trajectory into 2025.”
