This week's North West appointments

Robert White, Brabners

Legal practice Brabners has appointed a new CEO.

Senior business executive Robert White will lead the company as chief exec alongside new managing partner Nik White.

Robert has over 25 years of experience in senior roles across various sectors. He succeeds Janet Pickavance, who is leaving Brabners after 30 years with the firm.

Robert joined the company’s management board in 2017 and was previously MD of gaming technology business Barcrest Group.

While at Barcrest, he led a strategy to transform the firm from a traditional hardware-based manufacturer to one based on multi-channel software distribution.

Nik White said: “Since joining Brabners, Robert has been key to formulating our new strategy and proposition. His expertise, experience and drive make him the perfect candidate.

“Such a high calibre appointment and the fresh perspective and impressive commercial experience he brings, demonstrates our ambition and the difference in our focus and approach.”

Nik added: “This is an exciting time for the firm, our people and our clients, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Robert and the wider team in my new role as managing partner as we cement the firm’s position as the region’s leading independent legal practice.”

Robert commented: “I have been blown away by the strength and the quality of the Brabners team and client base and, as we look ahead to the next chapter in the firm’s development, I’m also looking forward to complementing the team by attracting new talent and expertise in support of our growth aspirations.”

David Hilton, Bromleys

Law firm Bromleys has chosen David Hilton as the new head of its flagship Court of Protection and Powers of Attorney team.

David stepped into the role as part of the team’s succession plan. Solicitor John Longworth, who has worked at Bromleys since 1967, previously held the role.

David joined Tameside-based Bromleys as a senior associate from Irwin Mitchell in 2017.

John will continue to practise at Bromleys as a solicitor. He acts for clients who lack the mental capacity to manage their property or financial affairs.

John said: “When I reached 65 I stepped down as senior partner but agreed to carry on as head of the Court of Protection and Powers of Attorney team until the time was right to hand over.

“We recruited David last year and saw him as the right person to be my successor. I’m continuing to work closely with him and the rest of the department as a solicitor, with an active caseload.”

He continued: “I have always gained a lot of satisfaction from helping people who are in substantial need of support. In my own way I hope I have helped to enhance and improve their lives.

“I’d definitely recommend a legal career to young people – it’s rewarding and you can make a real positive difference.”

David, who is on the national committee of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association, commented: “I have had the privilege to work alongside some of the biggest names in Court of Protection, and John is top of my list.

“I have a lot to live up to as the new head of department, but John has supported me over the last 12 months and the transition has been remarkably seamless.”

He added: “The future is very bright and I am committed to building on John’s legacy.”

Helen Coult, Armstrong Craven

Recruiter Armstrong Craven has selected Helen Coult for the role of regional director for the Asia Pacific zone.

Helen has more than 15 years’ experience in executive search, recruitment and talent consultancy. She joined Armstrong Craven just over three years ago.

Prior to her new position, she was senior global client partner for the firm’s consumer and industrial division.

Armstrong Craven deputy CEO Rachel Davis said: “We have built a strong reputation in the Asia Pacific region since opening our office in Singapore three years ago.

“Helen was the natural choice to become Director Asia Pacific. She already has a strong knowledge of the region and is fully attuned to the talent challenges and opportunities that exist.”

Helen commented: “This is a hugely exciting time to be moving to Singapore and I look forward to partnering with both global and Asian clients to put in place high quality talent acquisition strategies.”

Gill Chadwick, Eric Wright Group

Eric Wright Group, the Preston-based construction and property company, has appointed Gill Chadwick as its new group finance director.

Gill was previously group financial controller at the firm. Prior to Eric Wright, she was finance director for transport provider H&M Distribution and spent 14 years with professional services giant Deloitte in Manchester.

The finance director role will put her in charge of the finance functions across all Eric Wright divisions. She will also be responsible for the company’s funding and financial strategy.

Gill said: “It is a real privilege to have been appointed to this position.

“Having spent the last 12 months with the company, I’ve experienced first-hand the first-class services it delivers as well as the valuable contribution it makes to the local communities in which it operates and what a difference it makes to the people who live and work there.”

She added: “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of that team and I am looking forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead to shape the future of the business.”

Eric Wright Group MD Jeremy Hartley commented: “Gill has already made a significant contribution to the management of the group’s finances during her time with us, bringing excellent experience and knowledge of the commercial property market to many aspects of our business.

“Her promotion is a key strategic appointment to the main board at a period of significant growth and will ensure our broader business plan strategies receive the best possible financial and commercial input.”

Charlotte Round and David Bowcock, Fieldfisher

The Manchester office of law firm Fieldfisher has hired Charlotte Round as its first banking partner in the city.

Charlotte, who joined the company’s finance team from rival Brabners, has 19 years’ experience acting for lenders and borrowers on banking transactions.

Fieldfisher managing partner Michael Chissick said: “We have one of the leading finance teams advising clients from a number of our offices.

“Charlotte’s arrival now brings banking expertise to Manchester and reflects the strategic importance of the sector to our firm and to the region.”

The appointment follows another recent hire from Brabners.

David Bowcock joined Fieldfisher as head of corporate. He was previously head of Brabners’ Manchester-based corporate department and served as a member of the firm’s management board.

In his former role, David specialised in M&A and capital raising, including both private and public equity.

Ian Austin, managing partner of Fieldfisher’s Manchester office, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to our North West office.

“We look forward to seeing the Corporate team continue to go from strength to strength under David’s leadership. His skill set and values match our own and his arrival marks another milestone in the expansion of our corporate team.”

Martin Puglsey, Umera Ali and Graham Dagnall, DWF

Law firm DWF has appointed partner Martin Puglsey (pictured left) as its new head of financial service.

Martin joined the company in October 2017 from the Milan office of American firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher. His appointment was made alongside the launch of a new banking practice in the UAE, led by newly appointed partner Umera Ali.

Specialising in aviation finance, acquisition finance, trade and project finance, Martin will work out of DWF’s office in London. Umera Ali will be based at DWF’s Dubai office.

Martin said: “We already have a very strong finance and banking platform in London and nationally, and with the strength of DWF’s international network and cross-sector approach we are now in a very strong position to build out the practice globally.

“The Middle East in particular is a key growth market for us and Umera brings a really unique and competitive skill set that will allow us to capitalise on the opportunities we’re seeing there, so I’m really pleased to have her on board as we enter this next phase of growth for the sector.”

Elsewhere, DWF appointed a new executive partner at its Liverpool office.

Litigation partner Graham Dagnall (pictured right) was elevated to the post following more than 10 years heading up DWF’s national litigation practice group.

As executive partner, he will drive the strategic growth and direction of the office while building and shaping DWF’s profile in the region.

Graham commented: “We have an excellent team in Liverpool and we are in a strong position to continue expanding our offering by taking advantage of the local talent in the city; identifying growth opportunities from both the local and national market to attract work into Liverpool.

“This will be done in conjunction with building even stronger links with DWF’s international teams in order to enhance our competitive advantage and deliver more value for clients.”

Jon Hainey, TLT

A past president of Manchester Law Society has joined law firm TLT as a partner in its commercial services group.

Joining the company from the Manchester office from DWF, Jon Hainey’s background has seen him working with public and private sector organisations on a range of dispute resolution and contentious insolvency issues.

He will work closely with TLT’s national commercial services group and banking and restructuring group.

James Forsyth, banking and restructuring partner at TLT’s Manchester office, said: “Jon is a true leader in his field and a valuable addition to our team.

“There was a real synergy between his experience and the clients and growth opportunities at TLT.”

He added: “His wide range of expertise will further complement our services and help to support our clients.”

Graeme Orchison, TLT’s Manchester office head, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jon as a partner in our Manchester office.

“The growth in the office is testament to the best-in-field talent that we continue to attract, and the excellent quality of work done by the team.”