This week's North East appointments

Alix Stonehouse, Onyx Health

On the back of new business wins during the COVID-19 crisis, Newcastle based healthcare marketing communications agency Onyx Healthhas appointed Alix Stonehouse as account manager.

Alix re-joins the agency where she previously worked as an account executive and will be actively involved in devising creative strategies, overseeing client projects and the day-to-day management of accounts.

A scientist by training, Alix has a first-class degree in Medical Sciences from Leeds University and has previously worked for some of the biggest names in the healthcare and pharmaceutical business such as Boots, the ProPharma Group and MSD.

Alix commented: “It’s great to be back. The team at Onyx Health are so friendly, it feels like I’ve never been away.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of putting my creative skills and scientific knowhow to good use by helping clients navigate a challenging communication environment in the wake of COVID-19”.

Onyx Health associate director Trevor Pill added: “Alix is one of the rising stars of our agency and it’s amazing to have her back as part of the team.

“She has a rare combination of scientific expertise and creative flair that enables her to add value to the business on many levels.

“As an agency, we’ve powered through the COVID-19 crisis by focusing on what makes us unique our specialist healthcare knowledge and expanding our digital communication offering.”

Andrew Johnson, BIM Academy

BIM Academy has announced that it is welcoming Andrew Johnson as its newest team member.

Andrew joins this team of international Building Information Modelling (BIM) and built environment research consultants, as project manager - bringing his wide and varied expertise to the table to implement projects, alongside designing and developing digital transformation programmes for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry clients.

Andrew joined the Corps of Royal Engineers when he was 18, and after training as a plant operator mechanic working on construction equipment, he then began to train as a civil engineer within the Armed Forces – working on roads, airfields, drainage, and other infrastructure.

He has since moved into the digital transformation space – presenting at events such as BIM Show Live in Newcastle in February this year, on the cultural impact of implementing BIM – as well as what the barriers are to implementation across the globe.

Andrew said: “In my first few days at BIM Academy, the whole team has already shown a keen interest in my expertise and approach to training development, focusing on people skills.

“People are the most important part of any transformation and people are the biggest asset on a project.

“Understanding each person’s strengths and motivators helps to build a great team. Without that buy-in – there is no transformation!”

“I’m extremely excited to be working with BIM Academy! Tech is something that has always been a part of my life. I am geeky – tech has always been my hobby. So, for it to be my job is such a thrill.

“I’m looking forward to working on projects with tech as tools and even more so about the potential experience and lessons I can learn from the BIM Academy team, too!”

Peter Barker, managing director, added: “We are thrilled to have Andrew on board. We have always prided ourselves on the diversity of our team, blending practical industry experience with academic research rigour and as we move further into serving clients in wider infrastructure sectors, Andrew’s skillset will be invaluable.”

**Anna Rawling, Teesside Lions **

Teesside Lions have announced the appointment of Anna Rawling as marketing director.

Anna recently moved to Yarm following a 22 year career at The Economist, holding key positions as managing director of careers and education and vice president roles in customer experience, product strategy and digital marketing.

Her experience and expertise in marketing, subscriptions and digital advertising will play a pivotal role for the club in her position as marketing director for Teesside Lions.

Anna said: “I’m pleased to have joined the team at Teesside Lions and really look forward to helping the club grow.

“The club has an incredibly loyal following of supporters and has made a remarkable impact on both the players and the local community.

“I was really impressed with recent announcements about the Great Britain Coach joining the team, and expansion of their coaching sessions with new satellite clubs to engage even more young people into positive sporting activity through basketball.

“James and Martin have ambitious plans for the club. I’m excited about the potential for growth and, particularly, the opportunity to get more girls and women involved in basketball.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the team and, who knows, I may even take up basketball myself!”

Dan Cooper, Teesside Lions

Teesside Lions have also announced the appointment of Dan Cooper as external advisor.

Dan has been a highly respected figure in the financial sector for more than 11 years. Dan and RG will support the Teesside Lions across all its financial needs and requirements, through their Outsourced|FD proposition which supports businesses at all stages of the business lifecycle.

RG’s team of experienced advisers and finance assistants, led by Dan, have significant and relevant experience, which includes active business consultancy roles, and a full accounting and back office finance solution for businesses.

Dan said: “Following my initial meetings with James and Martin, it was clear that their ambitions are genuine and achievable.

“My team will position the right expertise to provide a full advisory support role and back office finance function for the club.

“As a former basketball player myself it is exciting to be involved in a business that has already done so much in terms of development of the sport, but is also determined to do so much more.

“The club’s success so far has been very impressive and I am pleased to be involved in helping them reach new heights.

“I am also looking forward to entertaining some of my clients at the Lions home games after witnessing the event spectacle they produced last season.”