This week's North East appointments

Michael Shuker, Square One Law

Legal specialist Square One Law has appointed Michael Shuker as partner to manage its Teesside office.

The internal appointment comes less than a year after the opening of the Stockton office, as the company prepares to expand its business in the Teesside area.

Michael has been with Square One Law for five years, and has experience across a wide range of sectors, including energy and finance.

Senior partner, Ian Gilthorpe explained: “Our business on Teesside continues to make very good progress.

“The time is now right to appoint, partner, Michael Shuker, to take on the responsibility of running the Teesside office, as a precursor to extending the business and recruiting more people on Teesside.”

Herb Kim, Newcastle University Business School

Newcastle University Business School welcomes digital media entrepreneur Herb Kim as this year’s David Goldman visiting professor.

Herb’s professional accomplishments include founding the Gateshead-based Thinking Digital conference, hosting TEDx events, and being named as one of MediaGuardian’s Top 100 news-makers and influencers in 2010.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Herb has worked with digital media across the North of England, and his role as visiting professor will involve building connections between the business school to the North’s technology sector.

Professor Sharon Mavin, Director of Newcastle University Business School, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Herb to the Business School as this year’s Goldman Professor.

“I’m looking forward to Herb sharing his insights and experience with students and inspiring them to become future entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Teresa Davidson, Silk Family Law

Specialist family law firm Silk Family Law has announced the appointment of Teresa Davidson as partner. A graduate of York University, Teresa brings 20 years of family law experience to the company, including time heading up the family team at firm Irwin Mitchell.

As part of her new role, she will be leading the launch of a new Leeds office in May this year, strengthening Silk Family Law’s presence in Yorkshire.

Speaking about her new role, Teresa said: “I am looking forward to being part of the team at such an acclaimed niche family law practice at a formative time for the business.

“I also relish the opportunity to work alongside talented people I enjoyed working with at Womble Bond Dickinson.”

Les Langley, Recruitrite

Darlington-based recruitment agency Recruitrite has welcomed Les Langley as its new business development manager.

Les joins Recruitrite at its Business Central office, in a pivotal management role driving all commercial and business development activities.

An active member of the North East business community, Les will draw on his knowledge of networking and building relationships to advance the goals of the company.

Recruitrite managing director, Melissa Coutts, said: “Les is an outstanding appointment for Recruitrite and will play a key role in realising our business growth strategy throughout 2019.”

She continued: “With his talent for forging new relationships, seeking out and targeting new business opportunities, Les is a natural fit for the business.”

Russ Watkins, Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria

The Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria (ASHN NENC) has appointed Russ Watkins as commercial director as part of its planned core growth.

The organisation has taken on nine new members of staff as part of its expansion, with Russ being brought in to manage its commercial activities.

With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, Russ has held a range of roles from medical notes summariser to assistant director of business innovation and improvement at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust.

Russ said: “I worked with the AHSN NENC for a number of years within my previous role and I’m thrilled to now be part of that team.

“In my new position I have the opportunity to look at healthcare innovation on a wider regional level, which will allow me to shine the light on what the North East can offer on a national scale.