This week's North East appointments

Lisa McFarlane, Wonder Stuff Studio

Lisa McFarlane has been appointed to Newcastle’s Wonder Stuff Studio as Creative Digital Specialist.

The University of Sunderland graduate has been involved in the development of websites for Newcastle architects ID Partnership and travel specialists Travel Bureau. She is also leading the development of a new app for use within the NHS.

Lisa said: “It already feels great to be here. The culture of hard work and honesty is one that I identify with and the Studio’s values are ones which are very refreshing in the creative industry.

“Wonder Stuff Studio is determined to offer clients the advice and direction which actually makes a difference to their business. Seeing design affect how businesses see themselves, and their goals. It’s great - and it’s a challenge.”

Alex Latham, Karol Marketing

Newcastle-based PR and marketing consultancy, Karol Marketing, has appointed Alex Latham as account manager.

Alex brings four years of public relations experience to the consultancy, having previously gained experience in both global and small PR agencies in Manchester and Newcastle. Most recently she was responsible for launching and expanding a North East office for a Manchester-based agency, and worked with a range of food and drink and hospitality clients in the region.

Commenting on her appointment, Alex said: “I’m pleased to be joining such an established North East agency that has an impressive portfolio of regional, national and international clients across a variety of sectors.

“I look forward to bringing my skills and creativity to Karol’s business PR accounts and to working with the highly experienced and dynamic team.”

Lizzie Tate and Melanie Wilson

Melanie Wilson, Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Addisons Chartered Surveyors have appointed Melanie Wilson as senior sales negotiator to work from its Barnard Castle office.

Following a ten year career in estate agency, including sales roles at Reeds Rains, Bellway Homes and Keepmoat, Melanie, from Bishop Auckland is well practised in front line customer service work and ensuring ongoing support of sales.

Melanie said: “I’m thrilled to join Addisons Chartered Surveyors at a time when it is experiencing such a demand for business and I’m looking forward to operating within a housing market that I know and love so well.”

Addisons have also appointed a Lizzie Tate as a negotiator at its Richmond office.

Chris Milne, North East Local Enterprise Partnership

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed Chris Milne as chief economist. Chris Milne. Milne will join the enterprise partnership in September from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in London where he worked as an economic adviser.

Chris has worked across a range of Whitehall departments since joining the Government Economic Service as part of the economist fast-stream from university in 2005.

Chris Milne said: “This is a fantastic move for me. The breadth of the North East LEP remit means that my work will have more of a macro-economic focus than most of my previous governmental roles. I’m excited about starting at the enterprise partnership and looking forward to meeting with its partners, regional businesses and public sector organisations. It also means I’m able to move back home to the North East, which is great for me and my family.”

Vasilis Koutsioubis, Two Fifths

A recently opened bar and restaurant on Newcastle’s Collingwood Street, showcasing world cuisine and cocktails, has appointed an award-winning chef and mixologist.

Two Fifths restaurant on Collingwood street has employed Vasilis Koutsioubis as head chef. He has previously worked at well-respected establishments such as Café 21 and Café Vivvo on the Quayside and spent five years working as sous chef at the award-winning Thallassa restaurant at five-star Elounda Beach Hotel in Crete.

Koutsioubis said: “I love being busy and Two Fifths has certainly been that. This is the first time I have been head chef and it’s great to be so involved. The fact that John is happy to do seasonal menus is brilliant as it means it’s constantly evolving and growing.”

John Harvey, The Protector Group

John Harvey has returned to The Protector Group as chief executive 20 years after he launched the business.

The Gateshead firm, which provides security for events, secured a significant contract with three separate venues in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

Harvey, who founded the company in September 1994, was encouraged to return to the company by Lord Stevens and other investors.

Harvey, who served as a Royal Marine for six years, said: “It’s great to be back at the helm, and even more so as it comes at a great time for the business in winning and successfully completing the Commonwealth Games contract.

“The Protector Group provided security for three separate venues and received no performance penalties whatsoever and met strict standards for each of the days at the event.

“It was a superb demonstration of the capabilities we have in the company. The Games’ organisers have been in touch to thanks us for exemplary performance and this follows similar comments we received after the London Olympics.”

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