Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

A roundup of appointments fro across the region this week.

Professor Roy Sandbach, National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation (NASI)

Professor Roy Sandbach, currently Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership Innovation Board, has been appointed by Newcastle University as Director of the new National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation (NASI).

Roy brings a wealth of global business innovation experience to the role, with more than 30 years’ experience at Procter & Gamble - an international consumer products company.

Professor Sandbach said: “We should celebrate the fact that we are all living longer. Equally, we should develop practical strategies that encourage and provide for a healthy and fulfilled longer life.

“As director of NASI, I have the unique opportunity to lead a team to develop these strategies and deliver them as products and services that people can use and benefit from.

“I was honoured to be asked by Newcastle University to take on this challenge. The University’s world-leading skills in this area will provide the perfect platform to found this National Centre.

“We will build on the University’s track record of successful working with businesses and with academics to make this Centre the globally recognised leader in ageing innovation.”

Konrad Rutkowski, Evolution LLP

North East accountancy practice, Evolution LLP, has appointed a new corporate finance director.

With over 10 years’ corporate finance experience, Konrad Rutkowski joins the Wynyard based company.

Originally from Coventry, Konrad has worked on lead advisory and transaction support assignments, which he gained working for both accountancy firms and specialist corporate finance boutiques, specialising in transactions up to £30 million.

The father-of-two is looking forward to working alongside his knowledgeable, new colleagues and playing a significant part in the dynamic company’s future.

He said: “I am pleased to be joining as corporate finance director with the opportunity to work with Andrew Fotheringham in helping to develop the already established team and grow the Evolution Corporate Finance presence in the North East and Yorkshire.

“Evolution is revolutionary firm which already has a great track record and the intention is to move this forward, focusing on disposals, acquisitions and equity fundraising transactions.”

Konrad is the latest employee to join Evolution - which now boasts over 60 staff following a major rebrand last year – and brings something different to the existing finance team.

Martin Barber, managing partner of Evolution LLP said: “Konrad has a wealth of business and lead advisory experience and he will bring a very strong boardroom presence to our offering.

“He is absolutely on brand as we seek to bring the very best talent to the region. Konrad is a great addition to an already outstanding team and will help Evolution become a leading corporate finance house in the region.”

Michelle Gorman, Visit County Durham

Visit County Durham is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Gorman as its new permanent Managing Director.

Prior to last week’s appointment, Michelle, who has been with Visit County Durham since its inception in 2006, was the acting lead for the organisation - a position she has held for the last eight months.

Ivor Stolliday, Chair of the VCD Board, said: “The Board is absolutely delighted that Michelle has accepted the role of Managing Director. We wish her many congratulations. Michelle has done an excellent job over the last eight months and we are confident she will continue to lead VCD in the right direction.”

Michelle Gorman added: “This is an exciting time to be officially taking the reins at Visit County Durham with many initiatives underway, and many more on the horizon, to further develop the visitor economy, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with businesses across the county.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “We’d like to congratulate Michelle on her appointment and look forward to her continuing the vital work of Visit County Durham. Tourism is a major part of County Durham’s economy and we’re sure that Michelle will lead us to even further success, keeping our historic and beautiful county, and its many events and attractions, firmly on the world stage as a tourist destination.”

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