This week's Yorkshire appointments

Sir George Buckley, University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield has appointed Sir George Buckley as chancellor.

Huddersfield graduate and former 3M CEO Sir George was knighted in 2011. He currently holds posts that include the Chairmanship of UK manufacturer and technology firm Smiths Group and Stanley Black & Decker.

Sir George is also a member of the board of Japanese industrial conglomerate Hotachi, and has recently retired from the board of US food and drink giant Pepsico.

Sire George gained a BSc in electrical and electronic engineering in 1972 and went onto acquire a PhD in engineering in 1976, before working in the steel industry and for the Central Electricity Generating Board, before he was recruited by General Motors and moved to the USA.

In 2000 Sir George became chairman of the Brunswick Corporation, and in 2005 was appointed chairman, president and CEO of 3M.

Sir George commented: “My memories of Huddersfield are very positive. I had a superb education here, and I will be forever grateful for that. We had some excellent teachers and Huddersfield set me off on the right path towards the future.”

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Bob Cryan, said “Sir George has been tremendously generous in his support for the University over the years and he has been a regular visitor, giving numerous presentations to both students and staff.

“He is a truly inspirational individual that ran one of the most innovative companies in the world, and his advice is highly sought after by both governments and major corporations.

“Sir George is a proud Huddersfield graduate and a fantastic role model for our students, and I do not doubt that he will be an amazing chancellor.”

Lucy Collinge, Linley & Simpson

Residential letting and sales specialist Linley & Simpson, has appointed Lucy Collinge and its new homes marketing & administrative executive.

Lucy has joined the Ripon-based team after working for Carter Jonas in its new homes department in Harrogate.

David Waddington, director of land and new homes at Linley & Simpson, commented: “Lucy joins the L&S Land and new homes team at a time when we are partnering with a record number of developers on sites across North and West Yorkshire.

“She has gained some valuable experience from her previous roles as a sales negotiator with estate agents in Harrogate and Ilkley, and her journey within the property industry continues with us.

“We are certainly looking forward to having her working with us, particularly as we are starting to lead the sales and marketing activities on some exceptional new developments, both small and large scale.”

Lucy added: “I’m delighted to be taking my next step on the regional property career-ladder with Linley and Simpson’s land new homes team, and joining this industry-respected team.”

Tom Pawinski, William Sutcliffe, Sarah Earl, Lyndsay Biggs and Piroska Szasz, Venari Group

Brighouse-based emergency vehicle manufacturer, Venari Group, has appointed five new team members.

The firm has welcomed Tom Pawinski and William Sutcliffe as mechanical design engineers, Sarah Earl as business development manager, Lyndsay Biggs as contract manager and Piroska Szasz as planning manager.

With more than 40 years’ industry experience between them, the hires take the overall headcount within the group to 91 across its 120,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing facilities in Brighouse, West Yorkshire and Goole, East Yorkshire.

Group CEO, Oliver North, commented on the appointments: “As part of our scale up, we’re thrilled to be able to attract such a high calibre of personnel who have left behind some very strong and reputable brands for Venari.

“This is testament to what we’ve achieved with such a tireless work ethic throughout the most challenging of years for many of us.

“The new additions will bolster our quality, our speed in reaction, our accuracy in delivery and efficiency in customer care.

“With an increase in quality of engineering, backed up more effectively than what we’ve seen before in terms of planning and supply chain management, we’re confident we can raise the industry bar.”

Sarah Earl had worked at YPO for 22 years, where she was responsible for development, delivery and management of a framework portfolio including firefighters’ PPE and emergency services uniforms.

Commenting on her new role, she said: “To leave such a stable environment after such a long time, during a challenging economic era, is testament to the organisation which I’m joining.

“The team is reputed in the industry as being the best, and the company’s passion for quality inspired me to take the leap.

“I’m beyond excited to contribute in making Venari a clear UK market leader in the manufacture and supply of emergency vehicles and operational equipment.”