This week's London appointments

Claire Kimber, Posterscope

Marketing specialist Posterscope has appointed Clair Kimber as group innovation director.

In this newly created role, Claire will lead the firm’s UK multiply innovation department, delivering creative solutions across the company’s client base.

Claire was most recently head of strategy and board director at out of home agency Rapport, where she worked with clients such as Sky, 20th Century Fox and Amazon.

Prior to that, Claire worked as a senior creative strategist at Future Fusion, as well as John Ayling Associates and MEC.

Commenting on her appointment, Claire said: “I’m really excited about joining the progressive team at Posterscope and can’t wait to get stuck into developing creative and innovative solutions for client business problems.”

Nick Halas, Posterscope’s global head of strategy, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Claire to the team.

“Her out of home experience combined with great knowledge of the whole advertising content mix, will be invaluable in this new strategic role, requiring both innovation and technological excellence.”

Alison Thompson, CALA Homes (Thames)

CALA Homes (Thames) appointed Alison Thompson as planning manager.

Working in the land and planning team, Alison will support the delivery of the Thames regional business’ long-term strategy.

Alison began her career when she graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in planning studies and a postgraduate degree in town and country planning.

With over 20 years of experience in planning and project management, Alison worked for a planning consultancy based in New Zealand as a senior associate for 10 years, before becoming the owner and director of Auckland-based First Plan.

Since moving back to the UK, Alison most recently worked as a planning manager for Wellington College prior to her new appointment.

Rob Hall, land director at CALA Homes (Thames) commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Alison to the team. Alision’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the region following the acquisition of several key sites including St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey.

“Alison’s extensive experience and personality make her a great asset to the business in this exciting time of growth.”

Jon Taylor-Goy, SureCloud

Integrated risk management specialist SureCloud has appointed Jon Taylor-Goy as EMEA sales manager for its cybersecurity division.

Jon brings more than 18 years of experience in IT sales, specialising in cybersecurity, risk, and compliance.

Prior to joining SureCloud, Jon worked at NCC Group for 18 years, working his way up to head of business development, risk management, and governance, where he formed a key role in the business development function.

Jon commented: “SureCloud has a compelling proposition. Its cybersecurity service offering, Pentest-as-a-Service, and approach to ongoing customer support sets the company apart from other providers and gives enormous potential for growth.

“I look forward to forging new customer relationships, developing strong relationships with current clients, and working with colleagues to bring new services to market that will meet ever-evolving customer needs.”

SureCloud CEO Richard Hibbert added: “Enterprises across Europe are operating in a very challenging environment when it comes to IT security. Their networks are becoming more complex, the attacks they face are growing in number and sophistication, and their compliance obligations regarding data security are increasing.

“Jon’s work will bring our cybersecurity services, including SureCloud’s Pentest-as-a-Service, to a growing number of enterprises, ensuring that our offering continues to evolve and address the challenges they face.”

Dave West, Pickerings Lifts

National lift maintenance and repair company Pickerings Lifts has appointed Dave West as regional manager for the North London Region.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Dave began his career as an engineer for an international lift maintenance and installation company, before moving into management roles.

In his role Dave will be responsible for programming scheduled work and liaising with customers, as well as managing office staff and engineers.

Commenting on his appointment, Dave said: “Pickerings Lifts has a great reputation and a strong national presence.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team and contributing to the ongoing success of the company.”

Jackson Hull, OakNorth

Business bank OakNorth has appointed Jackson Hull as its chief technology officer (CTO) and chief operating officer (COO).

With over 15 year’s C-suite experience in London and San Francisco, Jackson has worked with building high-volume eCommerce applications, global SaaS platforms, mobile and IoT platforms, as well as products and services in finance, fintech, travel, accommodation and retail.

Most recently at GoCompare, Jackson also serves as an adviser or non-exec director for several companies including British florist Bloom & Wild, venture capital firm Kindred Capital and flexible office space online platform Hubble.

Jackson has managed large technology teams globally, including in China, Singapore, India, Ukraine, Europe and South America, and has a Bachelors degree in engineering from UC Davis and a Masters in information systems from UC Berkeley.

Joel Perlman, co-founder of OakNorth, said: “Jackson has been a technology executive at several institutions, and a founder or early-stage employee at successful startups.

“He therefore not only has the knowledge and expertise that will be pivotal for this stage of OakNorth’s evolution, but also knows first-hand what it’s like to be an SME founder – the exact market our platform helps banks serve.

“As CTO and COO, he’ll be helping to build our world-class engineering team and the engineering culture required to develop and support our globally scaling platform.”

Dave Pickup, Independent Growth Finance (IGF)

Independent commercial finance provider Independent Growth Finance (IGF) has appointed Dave Pickup as ABL director for the Thames Valley.

Having worked in the finance industry since 2001, Dave specialises in improving SMEs cash flow through alternative funding, providing facilities for every stage of a business’ journey including start-up finance, MBOs and acquisitions, as well as general working capital.

Dave joins the firm from RBS, where he held the position of business development manager for almost five years. Prior to this he headed up the Thames Valley SME Invoice Finance team at Metro Bank. Before invoice finance his career saw him work in the trade finance and credit insurance industries.

Commenting on his new role, Dave said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining the team at IGF. The various roles I’ve held over the last 20 years have given me a wealth of experience in areas that affect SMEs in the UK.

“I’m looking forward to increasing the diversity of finance options available to Thames Valley businesses, ultimately helping to unlock their growth potential.”

John Walsham, Regent Assay

Corporate finance advisory firm Regent Assay has appointed John Walsham to head up its newly created unsecured lending team following the firm’s new partnership with SME credit specialist Caple.

In his new role, John will lead the partnership, supporting Regent Assay’s SME clients access unsecured finance solutions.

John, who is ACIB qualified, joins from Natwest and has more than 30 years of experience in commercial banking.

Brett Stacey, partner at Regent Assay, commented: “We are delighted that John Walsham has agreed to join Regent Assay and drive our partnership with Caple and the development of our new unsecured lending team.

“The new partnership and team enhance our corporate finance and consulting offer for our SME clients across London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley.”