This week's North East appointments

Sam Smith, Perspective Financial Group

Perspective Financial Group, the national financial planning and wealth management group, is pleased to announce that it is has made a senior appointment to its management team with Sam Smith joining as group acquisitions director.

Sam joins from Attivo Group where he held a similar role. During his 14 years with Attivo, Sam also held client management and integration roles, with a focus on client retention following acquisitions.

His appointment comes soon after Perspective announced its 36th acquisition since the Group was formed in 2008, with the purchase of Bradford on Avon-based Jones Hill in early September.

Ian Wilkinson, CEO of Perspective Financial Group Ltd said: “Sam’s appointment is a further step in delivering the group’s stated strategy of growth through both acquisitions and organic growth and we welcome him to the group.”

Sam added: “I have definitely joined Perspective at a great time. The group’s professional, client-centric approach comes across very strongly and Perspective’s brand is growing fast in reputation and visibility.

“I am particularly impressed by how Perspective combines the strength of a national business whilst retaining the benefits of local offices and long term relationships.”

Frances Carey, Aura

North East construction consultancy, Aura, has appointed Frances Carey as bid and business development coordinator.

Frances joins the firm from her previous role as marketing coordinator in an architectural practice, where she managed communications and bid strategy to support successful business development. She holds a BA in History from Newcastle University along with a postgraduate MA in International Marketing and Cross Cultural Studies.

Aura’s chief executive, Kirsty Thirlwell, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Frances to our team. She will play an integral role in working with colleagues to secure new business with winning solutions that meet our clients’ needs”.

Luke Philpott, Andrew Foster, Eleanor Wilkinson and Jonathan Bone, Square One Law

Square One Law has announced the promotions of corporate lawyer Luke Philpott and property lawyer Andrew Foster to senior associates.

Luke joined Square One Law in 2019, having relocated from Manchester and has particular expertise in private equity and venture capital having worked on a number of investments during his time in the North West.

Andrew, who is from the North East, has gained extensive experience acting for property investors, occupiers, banks and SME clients, as well as landowners and developers in a variety of commercial property and banking matters.

Further supporting Square One Law’s growth are the appointments of employment lawyer Eleanor Wilkinson and commercial property lawyer Jonathan Bone.

Both had previously been senior associates at Square One Law before choosing to move to national firms.

Eleanor said: “I hadn’t appreciated how important it is to work in a strong and supportive team and found that being on the outside made me realise how much being part of it, and all that we had achieved together, had meant to me. I was delighted to be welcomed back.”

Jonathan added: “The perception that larger firms have better quality projects and that’s definitely not the case with Square One Law.

“There is a strong team here and having made good relationships, it wasn’t hard to approach the partners about returning. The property team is working on some really interesting projects and I’m delighted with the expansion to Leeds as it will open up even more opportunities for the firm.”

Reece Kesson, RWO

Newcastle engineering specialists RWO have appointed a new director to oversee the development and expansion of its structural engineering operations.

Reece Kesson joins as director of structures in a move that will see him working alongside the senior management team on planned strategic growth, new business development, client liaison, and developing a team of engineers and technical specialists.

A member of the Institution of Structural Engineers, he will also be involved in technical compliance for designs and pushing forward with workflows across frontline operations.

Reece brings almost 30 years of experience and expertise as a consultant engineer to the role. This includes responsibility for major investment projects including Trinity Square in Gateshead, along with various retail and residential schemes.

Ross Oakley, managing director, commented: “He will be a key addition to the leadership team as we continue to develop our presence across the north of England and nationally over the next 12 months, while also delivering the highest standards of service and engineering solutions to current clients.”

“We are committed to hiring the best industry talent to support our growth and ambitions, so it’s fantastic to have Reece with his long experience and track record of project management, on board.”

Sasha O’Neill, Durham University

Durham University has announced the appointment of Sasha O’Neill as its new head of marketing.

In her new role, Sasha will make a significant contribution to enhancing Durham University’s global reputation and recruitment of students, academics and staff from around the world.

She will be responsible for the student recruitment and engagement; corporate marketing; web and digital; and business partnering teams in what is a new structure for Marketing and Communications at Durham University.

Sasha has nearly 20 years in-house and agency experience of marketing across multiple sectors, including ten years working at senior levels. She has wide experience in successful traditional and digital marketing campaign strategies.

She joins Durham University from Bellway Homes where she was group head of marketing, leading on marketing for 22 distinct geographical divisions and several hundred new housing developments.

Lucian J. Hudson, director of advancement and communications at Durham University, commented: “Durham University is an established global brand which is consistently ranked among the world’s greatest universities for its education, research and wider student experience.

“As head of marketing, Sasha will play a significant leadership role within the Advancement and Communications teams to further champion and enhance our international reputation with our prospective students, stakeholders and influencers.”

Sasha said: “It is a privilege to be joining Durham University as head of marketing and to be given the opportunity to further progress the reputation of the brand on a national and global scale.”