This week's Yorkshire appointments

Leeds Bradford Airport has appointed Chris Sanders as its new aviation development director.

Chris will begin the role with immediate effect and brings with him a wealth of experience in the airport sector, having previously spent eighteen years at Newcastle Airport with his most recent role being aviation development director.

Before moving to Newcastle Airport, Chris began his career at British Airways working in its network planning, revenue management and information management departments. He then worked in the UK rail industry for long distance operator InterCity.

At the time of rail privatisation, Chris moved to York to work on the East Coast route, his final position being commercial manager for GNER.

Chris Sanders, aviation development director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “I am delighted to join the team at LBA as the airport continues to celebrate record passenger numbers. This is down to the dedication shown by the staff working here.

“Of course there is room for improvement, but that is the exciting phase this business is embarking upon under the leadership of recently appointed CEO David Laws.

“Having spent a number of years previously living and working in Yorkshire, I am aware of how important the airport should be to the people and businesses of the region. I look forward to making sure that we continue to improve for business and leisure communities in and around Yorkshire.

“The more this airport is used then the easier it becomes to grow existing routes and attract new services which will help increase this region’s connectivity. I want LBA to be an airport we can all be proud of for its contribution to the regional economy.”

David Laws, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Chris Sanders to the airport as we continue our development. I have worked with Chris for a number of years and know he shares my passion for aviation development.

“We now have the widest choice of flights available from LBA and our aim is to ensure we offer the very best choice of destinations for both business and leisure passengers.”

Annette Thomson (left), Clarion

Annette Thomson has joined Clarion in Leeds as an associate solicitor in its corporate recovery and insolvency team.

After completing her articles at a law firm in Johannesburg, Annette qualified as a barrister in South Africa in 2010 and practiced there for six years before joining Clarion. She has expertise in contract and insolvency law.

Annette is currently studying towards the QLTS and will qualify to be admitted to practice in England and Wales in summer 2018.

Ryan Millmore, joint managing partner and head of the firm’s corporate recovery and insolvency practice, said: “We’re always keen to bring new talent on board, particularly lawyers who can add a fresh perspective to what we do. With six years’ experience in insolvency law, Annette is a great fit with the team.

“This year has been a particularly busy year for the practice with growing numbers of clients seeking advice on insolvency, restructuring and turnaround matters and the addition of Annette to the team will further strengthen our offering and enable us to continue to provide excellent service to clients.”

Annette commented: “I feel fortunate to have joined one of the leading insolvency law teams in the region and look forward to using my skills to help clients to find practical commercial solutions. It will also be a great opportunity to learn from such experienced colleagues.”

Jon Geldart, IoD

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Jon Geldart as its regional chairman for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Jon is executive director, markets development, for Greater China with business advisor Grant Thornton. He is an expert on China’s impact on the UK economy and has authored two books on doing business with the Chinese.

He succeeds Jonathan Oxley, director of corporate finance at law firm Lupton Fawcett, who takes on a new role heading up the IoD’s strategy on the Northern Powerhouse.

Jon Geldart said: “I am honoured to be accepted as chairman and look forward to working with the IoD team.

“My role is to support our members from all backgrounds, encourage entrepreneurialism and promote responsible business practice and professionalism. The IoD here is to give businesses of all sizes an opportunity to join our powerful policy voice.

“In my job, I am constantly travelling and get a unique perspective on not only Brexit, but also the views of other countries on the British business scene.”

Jon has been chairman of the IoD’s North Yorkshire branch since summer 2016 and continues in this position.

Last year, the IoD announced its blueprint for a “business-led” strategy led by industry clusters that will act as a catalyst for the next stage of Northern Powerhouse activity, including advanced manufacturing, health innovation and fintech.

The IoD has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government to become an official member of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.

Natalie Sykes, regional director of the IoD, added: “These appointments underline the IoD’s commitment to inspire and represent businesses across the North of England.

“Jon’s international and long-term, strategic approach will be hugely beneficial as we embrace Brexit and position the North on the global platform. Jonathan is highly respected on the subject of devolution will play a pivotal role for the IoD across the North and with Whitehall.”

Alex Miles, G3 Remarketing

G3 Remarketing, the Leeds-based independent car auction firm, has announced a new senior appointment.

With over 20 years’ motor industry experience, Alex Miles has joined the team in the newly-created position of buyer services manager.

Having worked for AMT Contract Hire & Leasing, The Harratts Group and Nidd Vale Motors, he brings with him a wealth of insight into the used car market. This knowledge will be used to help G3 further raise its profile among the dealer and car supermarkets network.

Matt Dale, G3’s joint director, said: “Alex will provide a crucial role in further improving the quality of the sale experience, for vendors and buyers alike. He will be responsible for placing vehicles both pre- and post-sale, for instance, to improve conversions rates and returns for our sellers.

“But in helping our marketing team to better communicate with prospective buyers – to hopefully increase the number of proxy bids that we are able to achieve per car, for example – he is also improving their access to high quality, ready-to-retail stock.”

Alex will also assist colleagues with vehicle valuations and analyse unsold vehicles to review the reasons for the non-conversion. Having worked at different stages within the supply chain, he will advise how to make the vehicles more appealing during the pre-sale process and where to adjust the pricing to reflect market conditions and demands.

Matt added: “With a conversion rate of 78%, we already deliver a high level of service to vendors. But we’re always striving to do more.

“Alex will, in effect, be a champion of continuous improvement within our team, so that we can uphold the high standards we’ve become renowned for, as we continue to grow.”

Sam Cartwright, Ella Bagley and Carl Fisher, Zeal

Zeal, the Leeds-based digital and creative agency, has promoted three members of staff to managerial positions.

Sam Cartwright and Carl Fisher have both been promoted to content marketing managers from executive positions.

Sam joined Zeal part time while still at Leeds Beckett University studying Events Management. Upon graduating, he joined Zeal as a full-time member and has since worked his way up to his new position as content marketing manager.

Sam’s new role includes managing members of the content team and being responsible for overseeing client’s content strategy.

Carl has been at Zeal since 2015 when he joined as a social media executive. Since then he has played a pivotal role in developing the social media offering at Zeal. His promotion to content marketing manager sees him further developing the social content offering and managing members of the content team.

In the digital department, Ella Bagley has been promoted to performance marketing manager. Ella joined Zeal as a performance marketing apprentice in 2015.

After completing her apprenticeship she was taken on as performance marketing executive. In her new role, she is now mentoring her own apprentice Laura and is responsible for growing the affiliate and paid advertising offering.

Jane Rutter, managing director of Zeal, said: “We are extremely proud of the culture we have created at Zeal and that includes nurturing staff and pushing them to reach their potential.

“Sam, Carl and Ella all came to us with no previous digital agency experience and have worked their way up to managing and nurturing other members of the team. We couldn’t be more proud of them!”

Last year, Zeal opened a second office in London and has recently relocated to a larger office on the South Bank. The Leeds office is based in Marshall’s Mill in the Holbeck area of the city.