Recent North East appointments

North East law firm Hay & Kilner has announced two promotions within its commercial disputes and personal injury teams.

Holly Clegg and Lucy Gray, who both also started their careers at Hay & Kilner, have been promoted to associate solicitors. The promotions demonstrate the firm’s record of retaining key personnel and its long-standing commitment to professional development.

Martin Soloman, senior partner at Hay & Kilner commented: “We are delighted to announce these promotions which are thoroughly deserved. Holly and Lucy have already contributed much to Hay & Kilner over a number of years and have proved themselves to be great assets to the firm.”

North East IT firm Onyx Group have recruited John Toal to the position of Sales and Marketing Director as the company continues to expand.

With over 20 years of experience in the IT Sector, John was previously director of the UK’s largest enterprise computing distributor, Avnet UK, successfully driving ambitious growth targets for the £700m business over a two year period.

CEO of Onyx Group Neil Stephenson commented: “Technology is a real growth sector in the UK and our expansion through acquisition means we remain at the forefront of it. I am delighted by the appointment of John as our new Sales and Marketing Director. John brings a wealth of experience to the team which will help to drive the business forward and unlock future growth. “

Blyth-based Weir Insurance has welcomed back a familiar face who returns with 15 years experience in the family-run business.

Ex-employee Jen Wilce first joined the team at Weir Insurance in 1995 on a part-time contract. She soon became a permanent fixture in her role as assistant personal lines manager where she remained for the next 15 years.

Karen Weir, managing director at Weir Insurance, said: “We are thrilled to have Jen back within our team. She was a big miss when she left but we were nothing but supportive to see her progress and try out a new role.

“As a local, family-run business we pride ourselves on being able to offer a personal touch to the work we do for our clients – something I know Jen has genuinely missed. It’s an exciting time for the company and it means a lot to us that our employees value the working environment we have been able to create here.”

Jones Lang LaSalle has announced the promotion of two members of staff in its Newcastle office as part of the firm’s latest round of promotions.

Investment specialist, Dickon Wood, has been promoted to national director. Dickon has been with Jones Lang LaSalle for 10 years and during this time he has completed some of the region’s biggest investment deals.

Emily Seager, who works in Lease Advisory for the Newcastle office, has been promoted to associate director. Emily works on behalf of a large portfolio of landlord and occupier clients advising on lease renewals, lease restructures, rent reviews and expert witness work on commercial properties within the North East.

Jonathan Sykes, lead director of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Newcastle office commented: “These promotions are testament to the outstanding quality of staff here at Jones Lang LaSalle and reflect their hard work and commitment to the firm. One of our core objectives is to improve access to training and development, creating more opportunities for learning and progression within the company.”

PR and marketing agency Karol Marketing Group, has expanded its team with the appointment of a new PR executive at its Newcastle office.

Caroline Cockburn joins the firm with a broad range of experience in the industry, and will be working on several key accounts following a number of new account wins for the agency in 2013.

Caroline said: “I feel very pleased to be joining a team who have a reputation for being dynamic and creative thinkers. After living and working abroad for three years, I’m excited about the expertise Karol has working in international markets and I look forward to working on a varied portfolio of clients.”