This week's Yorkshire appointments

Christine Hewson, KPMG

Business advisory firm KPMG has appointed Christine Hewson as its new north region chair.

She takes on the role from Chris Hearld who was recently named head of regions nationally after joining the firm’s executive leadership team.

Based in KPMG’s Leeds office, Christine is an elected member of the firm’s UK Board and has more than 20 years of experience working across its operations in the North of England, having led its northern Tax & Pensions and Retail practices.

She was appointed to KPMG’s partnership in 2006 having joined as a graduate in 1989. Her new role took effect as of June 1.

Christine said: “The North’s business community continues to prove to be one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial, both at home and internationally.

“Our traditional sectors remain vital to the region’s future prosperity as they evolve alongside the success of emerging and fast-growth digital industries.

“I’m delighted to be leading such a strong team of people across our offices… There is a real need to bring the government’s industrial strategy to life and it’s clear that, business leaders across the region have both the knowledge and the resolve to do so.”

Dan Graham and Paul Greaves, Key West Pest Control

Commercial pest control company, Key West Pest Control has appointed two new pest control technicians.

Dan Graham and Paul Greaves has joined the team to support the Leeds-based company’s plans to build on its services to commercial and residential customers across the country.

After working as foreman for over 20 years, Paul boasts an impressive portfolio of relevant skills for the role including problem solving, project management, policy implementation and improvement recommendation.

Paul said: “I’m delighted to be joining Sean, Dan and the rest of the Key West team during such an exciting growth period.”

Mike Odling, Faithful+Gould

Faithful+Gould, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has appointed Mike Odling as a regional director for transport, covering the North West and Yorkshire.

Mike has held various key roles on national infrastructure projects, with the likes of Network Rail, Transport for London, Transport for the North and local authorities, in addition to working with global consultancies Jacobs and Mace.

His portfolio includes a series of complex infrastructure projects such as the Northern Hub for Network Rail and station devolution for Transport for Greater Manchester.

At Faithful+Gould, Mike will be responsible for leading the transportation market in the North West and Yorkshire; supporting clients with the development of transport schemes and expanding the business’ capabilities in the region.

Joao Silva, director at Faithful+Gould, said: “A huge investment is being made to develop the transport network in the North.

“This investment coincides with our own growth strategy in the region, with many schemes currently in the early development phases in which our expertise lies.

“Mike’s appointment aligns with this great opportunity to help shape the region for future generations.”

Simon Turner, Arts

Arts, a long-standing independent restaurant on Call Lane in Leeds, has appointed a new head chef to its recent expansion.

Simon Turner makes his way to heading up Arts after a four year tenure at The Reliance, where he learnt from their ethic of using seasonal, sustainable and local produce to recreate global cuisine with an emphasis on flavour and quality.

He said: “I consider it a true opportunity to take Arts forward and promote good food. I’ve known Arts since moving to Leeds 18 years ago, and always enjoyed the feel it had.

“It’s been known as one of those ‘go-to’ places for food. When I saw an advert for a Head Chef at an independent city centre restaurant (which are few and far between!) I jumped at the opportunity.

“I don’t want to change Arts, I’d just like to evolve Arts. I want to keep that bistro dining everyone knows, and bring locally-sourced meats and produce to the table.”

Tom Goode, Knight Frank

Knight Frank has promoted Tom Goode to associate. Tom, who joined Knight Frank in 2018 from Sanderson Weatherall, is a key member of the firm’s Yorkshire industrial property team.

He specialises in the disposal and acquisition of industrial, distribution and trade counter space, as well as commercial development opportunities in the Yorkshire region.

He said: “It is an extremely exciting time to be working with Knight Frank’s strong and experienced Yorkshire industrial team, as we are involved with some of the most high-profile buildings and development schemes in the region.”

Iain McPhail, industrial property partner at Knight Frank’s Leeds office, said: “Tom’s promotion is well-deserved. He has proved to be a crucial member of our team during the past 18 months since he has been with us.”

James Cook, Blacks Solicitors LLP

Leeds-based law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP has invested in its property law offering with the appointment of planning specialist James Cook.

James joins Blacks as a partner and brings almost two decades of planning law experience with him.

Working with clients in both the private and public sectors, he provides legal and strategic advice in relation to major regeneration planning for mixed-use schemes, housing, retail and business parks.

Furthermore, James also advises on listed buildings, planning enforcement, advertisements, conservation areas, and town and village greens.

On the litigious side, James also supports clients in relation to High Court actions including judicial reviews and injunctions.

James said: “Leeds has received significant investment over the past decade and is currently undergoing huge redevelopment.

“It’s a pivotal time to be joining Blacks’ Property team and I look forward to supporting the firm’s clients.”

Thomas Johann and Joe Richardson, The Partners Group

York-based PR and communications agency The Partners Group has appointed digital account manager Thomas Johann and Joe Richardson in the role of senior PR executive.

Thomas joins Partners with more than 10 years of experience working in digital marketing, specialising in SEO. He will work with clients to ensure that their websites and digital marketing are working alongside the PR activity that is generated to drive new business.

Thomas said: “I’m very excited to be joining partners. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with such a well-respected agency where I can use my skills to their fullest.

“I hope that my knowledge and experience will complement the team as well as giving clients new opportunities to grow.”

With experience in traditional marketing, digital media and public relations in industries as diverse as construction and entertainment, Joe brings a wide range of knowledge and skills to Partners.

Joe added: “I’ve long admired Partners and the work that they do. The opportunity to work with such an experienced team on a wide range of projects is fantastic.”

Liam Keyworth, Knight Frank

Commercial property advisor Knight Frank’s Sheffield team has appointed Liam Keyworth as a senior building surveyor.

Liam, 26, joins the building consultancy department where he will be involved in both professional and project work on a range of commercial properties in the Sheffield City Region.

Jonathan Ingleby, who heads the Building Consultancy department of Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “Business is buoyant and we are involved in some very exciting projects across Sheffield and the wider region.

“Liam’s appointment indicates our intention to continue to attract high quality talent and will allow us to expand and deliver additional services for our clients.”

Liam’s career in building surveying began at EC Harris - now Arcadis in Birmingham - for his work placement whilst at Northumbria University in Newcastle.

Following graduation, he worked for four years at Workman LLP in Newcastle working mainly on retail instructions for London-based clients in Leeds and around the wider Yorkshire region.

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