Mark McQuater, Roxy Leisure.

This week's Yorkshire appointments

Mark McQuater, Roxy Leisure

Roxy Leisure has appointed Mark McQuater as chairman.

Mark has held roles such as CEO of Revolution, Founder CEO of Barracuda Group, and managing director of JD Wetherspoon.

Mark is currently Chairman or NED of a number of growth businesses including Barworks, gym operator Studio Society and Vistage UK.

Mark commented: “I am delighted to join Matt and the team at Roxy which as a leading business in the Competitive Socialising Market is well placed to expand and grow in this exciting space.”

Matt Jones, director of Roxy Leisure, added: “We are really pleased to have Mark, with his experience, join our board - this underlines our ambition to grow Roxy over time to more cities and towns in the UK.”

Azra Kirkby and Mario Caswell, St Anne’s Community Services

Community services provider St Anne’s Community Services has appointed Azra Kirkby as chief executive officer and Mario Caswell as director of business development.

Azra has extensive experience of leadership roles in social care, including more than 16 years with Leonard Cheshire, Real Life Options and NACRO after a career in the private sector. Azra joined St Anne’s as Interim CEO in late 2019 .

Azra explained: “St Anne’s is a great organisation. I’ve seen first-hand the commitment and dedication of all of St Anne’s staff whether they are front line or in a supporting role and I’m excited at the prospect of leading such a superb team.

“While there are challenges ahead for the sector, I look forward to working with staff, clients and all of our stakeholders to ensure St Anne’s continues to be recognised as an organisation committed to providing excellent care and support to all our clients.”

Mario has a social care background, most recently leading business development, marketing and Communications at Real Life Options. As well as leading the organisation’s extension of community services Mario will be building relationships with local commissioners and overseeing marketing and communications.

Mario added: “I am thrilled to be joining St Anne’s and I look forward to making a positive contribution to the organisation’s vision and the people it supports.”

Laurie Dale and Amy Buttrick, Clarion

Law firm Clarion has appointed Laurie Dale as legal director.

Having worked in private practice for over 20 years and subsequently in industry as general counsel and company secretary to a publicly quoted pharmaceutical company, Laurie has experience in a range of sectors, with a particular focus on advising pharma and technology clients.

In his new role with Clarion, Laurie will work across the corporate practice, handling transactional matters as well as providing advisory services.

In addition, Amy Buttrick has joined the corporate team as an associate. She has experience of a range of corporate transactional matters.

Richard Moran, senior partner and head of Clarion’s corporate team, commented: “We are committed to our long-term, strategic plan. Laurie’s appointment is an important step in helping us to further strengthen our offering in some of the industries we see as having great potential for future growth.

“Clarion has a strong track record in both technology and pharma and Laurie will help us to build on our expertise in these areas. We are pleased to welcome such an experienced corporate lawyer as well as continuing to develop young talent as Amy joins our 14-strong team.”

Tina Greaves, Doncaster Deaf Trust

Doncaster Deaf Trust has appointed Tina Greaves as chief finance officer.

With more than 20 years’ experience in both senior finance and HR roles, across both public and private sector organisations, Tina will be responsible for ensuring effective financial due diligence across the Trust.

The role will also see Tina join the senior executive group and leadership group, inputting into the development of the Trust’s business plan and strategic direction and reporting regularly to its Governors and Trustees.

Tina, commented: “I am really looking forward to helping shape the future of Doncaster Deaf Trust, working with my new colleagues to put strategic plans into action and building further on the great reputation the Trust and its services already has.”

Alexis Johnson, executive principal at Doncaster Deaf Trust added: “We are thrilled to welcome Tina to the team.

“With an impressive career in finance as well as experience in HR, too, Tina brings a wealth of both strategic and commercial expertise to the role and will play a key part in the future growth of Doncaster Deaf Trust and the vital service it provides to the Deaf community.”

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