Newcastle data solutions consultancy Seriös Group has announced a new executive leadership team. The company has appointed four new senior executives to strengthen leadership across operations, commercial, finance and technology. The new roles include Leanne Cullen as chief operating officer, Sam Condren as chief financial officer, Robin Cordy as chief commercial officer and Alex Bookless as chief technology officer.
Ms Cullen joined Seriös Group late last year, bringing over 20 years of experience from senior roles at Waterstons. She joined as head of delivery before stepping up to the role of COO. Mr Bookless also joins from Waterstons, where he was technical director and a board member. Ms Condren brings over 25 years’ experience as a chartered accountant, joining from her own practice where she served as non-exec CFO for Seriös Group.
Lee Rorison, founder and CEO, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our new executive leadership team. Leanne, Sam, Robin and Alex bring the talent, experience and energy we need, and they’re fully invested in our people-first, high-performance culture.”
Law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed private client lawyer Alison Hall as partner and head of private client. She re-joins the firm where she started her professional life as a trainee and grew to partner, and now brings over 25 years of experience advising individuals, families and business owners on matters including wills, probate, trusts, inheritance tax and succession planning.
Ms Hall said: “Ward Hadaway already has a fantastic technical team and I’m excited to be building on that foundation. There’s a clear opportunity to raise the profile of our private client services and expand our reach across our regions.
“What matters most to our clients are trusted, personal relationships and being the person they turn to when it really counts.”
Law firm Muckle LLP has announced three key planned promotions within its senior leadership team.
Corporate finance partner Philip Clare, who has been at the firm throughout his career, becomes head of the corporate team. Real estate partner Gail Bennett has been appointed to head the real estate team. And education specialist Joanne Davison, who originally trained with the firm, has been named as head of the sports, education, and charities team, succeeding Tony McPhillips.
Managing partner Anthony Evans said: “I’m delighted to welcome Philip, Gail, and Joanne into their new roles; three fantastic lawyers and leaders who have already made a massive contribution to the firm. Their expertise, dedication and deep understanding of the firm will, I am sure, enable them to be hugely successful in their new roles.”
Mediaworks has appointed Kevin Telford to its executive board as a non-executive director. Mr Telford brings experience in artificial intelligence, data strategy and digital transformation, joining the agency at a pivotal moment as it looks to harness data and AI to drive greater performance, both for Mediaworks and its clients.
He has held senior roles at Transunion (Callcredit), Thoughtworks, Acxiom and partnered with many global brand.
He said: “Mediaworks has a strong reputation for innovation and I’m excited to join the team at a time when AI is reshaping how businesses approach marketing and digital. My focus will be on helping clients adopt AI in ways that are not only commercially impactful, but also strategically sound.”
The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has appointed Kimberley Turner, CFO and commercial director of Middlesbrough gaming studio Double Eleven, to its board of directors. A qualified chartered accountant, she brings with a wealth of strategic experience from one of the Ƶ’s fastest-growing tech companies.
She said: “I am delighted to join the board and very much look forward to representing Double Eleven and SMEs which make up around 80% of businesses across our great region.
“The Entrepreneurs Forum is built on a foundation of strong leadership, creativity and curiosity along with a bold determination and willingness to try new things. There is a unique energy and shared sense of purpose that ignites when like-minded people join forces.”
Accountants and business advisory firm CT has appointed Antony Gillham as partner.
Joining the firm’s audit leadership team, he will be based in Newcastle where he will operate between the city and CT’s head office in Edinburgh.
Mr Gillham began his accountancy career in Edinburgh with Whitelaw Wells in 2011 and joined RSM Ƶ in 2015 years later, spending time in both the Edinburgh and Newcastle offices, where he was promoted within the audit team.
He said: “I’m excited to join CT’s impressive audit team and be part of a firm which has really inspired me through its attitude and ethos towards clients and colleagues. I look forward to working with my new colleagues supporting clients in Scotland while also developing new opportunities in the North East of England and across other English regions.”
