This week's Yorkshire appointments

Craig Walker, In the Circle

Yorkshire-headquartered green initiative In the Circle has appointed Craig Walker as sales director.

With a 25-year track record working in a range of sales and management roles, Craig has experience in a range of sectors including automotive, home renovation products and construction.

In his new role, Craig will be responsible for attracting sponsors, exhibitors and delegates to In the Circle’s three physical and virtual sustainability conferences that are being held next spring.

Alec Walton, chief executive of In the Circle, commented: “While the COVID-19 outbreak initially disrupted our plans, we are now finding that the crisis has made many companies re-think their priorities and the desire for sustainability has moved higher up the business agenda.

“With his solid experience of developing sales and working across diverse industries, Craig will be a real asset to the team, helping us to connect with delegates, exhibitors and sponsors across Yorkshire, the North West and the Midlands.”

Craig added: “Sustainability is an issue I feel very strongly about. Many people still don’t appreciate the scale of the damage being done to the planet and this is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness and educate companies about sustainability.

“The conferences will bring people together to learn from some of the leaders in the field about how they can incorporate sustainable practices into their own businesses and the commercial benefits this will bring.”

Stephanie Parish, Florence Maxwell, Sarah McGovern, Stephanie Douthwaite, Jemma Green, Kaira Clarehugh and Andrew Curtis, Clarion

Law firm Clarion has promoted seven members of its team.

Stephanie Parish has been appointed as legal director, and Florence Maxwell, Sarah McGovern, Stephanie Douthwaite, Jemma Green, Kaira Clarehugh and Andrew Curtis have all been promoted to the role of senior associates.

Having been a member of the private client team for the last ten years since qualifying with Clarion, Stephanie has developed her own skills during her career by achieving STEP accreditation and gaining the Solicitors For the Elderly Older Client Care in Practice Award.

After qualifying with Clarion in 2014, Florence has become the firm’s specialist on GDPR, advising on all data protection matters.

Sarah has been with the firm for ten years, achieving a career in private client practice through the CILEx qualified route and also achieving her STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients.

Andrew joined the banking and finance team in 2019, leading on managing complex transactions in the leverage and real estate finance space for high-profile borrowers, clearing banks and alternative lenders.

Stephanie recently gained the Resolution Specialist Accreditation and co-founded the professional development group, Ascension.

Qualifying with Clarion in 2014, technical lawyer Jemma Green has been a member of the intellectual property team leading on complex matters, particularly in the field of designs. She established and runs the firm’s Junior In-House Lawyer programme and manages the firm’s mentoring scheme with BPP Law School.

Since joining the corporate team in 2015, trainee supervisor Kaira Clarehugh is on the committee of ClarioNet, the firm’s networking group for young professionals, and is part of the firm’s International Strategy Group responsible for developing international relations.

Roger Hutton, joint managing partner at Clarion, commented: “The strength of the Clarion culture has shone through during these testing times and I am proud that we have pulled together and continued to provide an outstanding service while supporting one another.

“We continue to invest in developing our talented lawyers and reward their hard work and achievements for their clients.

“Well done to all seven lawyers recognised with these latest promotions, it is particularly satisfying that more than half of them trained with us and have stayed to pursue their careers with the firm.”

Aaron Williams, PCL

PCL has appointed Aaron Williams as senior buyer.

Aaron joins the firm following roles at Anixter, a global distributor of network and security, electrical, electronic and utility power solutions; and Victor Marine, a specialist in the design and manufacture of tank washing machines, gas freeing fans and oily water separators.

Aaron spent 11 years at Anixter, working his way up from junior buyer to category lead, dealing with major contracts including Babcock and BAE.

Aaron then moved to the post of purchasing manager at Victor Marine, becoming involved in operations and responsible for all procurement.

Aaron commented: “PCL has the structure and support network needed to help you work effectively and make progress. I feel I can make a difference and see the benefit of that difference.”

“A big draw for me is how committed PCL is to the team and developing its staff. I feel I will have the opportunity to progress whilst using my experience to evolve the department and move it forward to bring supply chain efficiency.”

Finance director Roz Shepherd added: “Joining in the midst of a pandemic is a challenge, but Aaron has quickly got to grips with our operations.

“We are confident he has the expertise to get the supply chain working harder for us, bringing benefits for both PCL and our customers that will be especially welcome during these difficult times. We are delighted to have him on board.”

Professor Charles Egbu, Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Trinity University has appointed Professor Charles Egbu as vice-chancellor.#

Professor Egbu will return to Leeds, a city in which he studied and taught, to begin his new role on 1 November 2020, taking over from Professor Margaret A House OBE who will step down after seven years.

With more than 25 years’ experience in higher education, Professor Egbu was previously pro vice-chancellor for education and experience at the University of East London. He is also a member of a range of external bodies, including the Advance HE Pro Vice-Chancellor Network and QAA Panel of Experts.

Prior to his previous role, Professor Egbu was Dean of the School of Built Environment and Architecture at London South Bank University and Head of the School of Built Environment at the University of Salford, and held academic posts at University College London, Glasgow Caledonian University and Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan).

Professor Egbu commented: “I am honoured to be joining Leeds Trinity; a University who’s values and ethos around widening participation, offering a personalised approach and encouraging all students to achieve their best, align with my own.

“The university has an impressive track record in learning, teaching and employability, and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundations established under the leadership of Professor House.

“I have already been impressed by the sense of community at Leeds Trinity and I am looking forward to engaging with students, colleagues and alumni as we shape the future strategy of the institution. I am also looking forward to returning to Leeds; the city in which I spent much of my early academic life.”

Jamie Hanley, chair designate of the board of governors at Leeds Trinity University, added: “Professor Egbu brings with him a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge of the higher education sector.

“His energy and vision stood out throughout a very competitive recruitment process, and it is clear that he recognises Leeds Trinity’s strengths and values, as well as bringing with him a detailed understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced from across the higher education sector.

“I very much look forward to welcoming him to Leeds Trinity University.”

Amy Wild, Northcoders

Coding school Northcoders has appointed Amy Wild as chief commercial officer.

Amy has worked in sales and marketing roles for over 17 years in the digital, property, construction and aviation sectors.

Beginning her career at Finnair, Amy went on to become an associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University where she delivered the sales and marketing module on the chartered management degree course. In addition, Amy also ran her own consultancy, WildOne Consulting.

Amy commented: “I’ve long admired what Northcoders is trying to achieve, and as soon as I met the team it was easy to see how the company is built on a foundation of passion that is focused on the training and development of people.

“Its culture and community minded approach also has a strong ethical message which is combined with a well-respected offering in an industry that is set to grow and grow.

“I see nothing but opportunities for Northcoders and I’m excited to be part of its evolution moving forward.”

Chris Hill, CEO and founder of Northcoders, added: “The last year has been a real period of growth for Northcoders and we are delighted to welcome Amy to the team.

“She brings with her a wealth of industry experience that will directly benefit the business in terms of our commercial activities. Her understanding of what we do, and her appreciation of how we operate, really stood out so I’m confident she will become a central part of our success over the coming years.”