This week's North East appointments

Cassandra Spenceley, Richard Reed Solicitors

A Sunderland solicitor has announced that it has appointed a new non-owner director to its board.

Cassandra Spenceley has joined the team of specialist children panel lawyers at Sunderland’s Richard Reed Solicitors and will also be taking up a seat on the board as a non-owner director.

In the past, Cassandra has provided children safeguarding advice to NHS Trusts and academies, along with being a member of Resolution, made up of family lawyers committed to resolving family disputes, the Local Family Justice Board and The Law Society’s Children’s Panel.

In her new role as part of Richard Reed’s care team, Cassandra will be working alongside owner, David Place, who along with being a children’s panel solicitor is also an assistant coroner, and fellow solicitor and non-owner Director, Laura Peel, who Cassandra worked with in a case before the Court of Appeal.

Cassandra commented: “I have known Richard Reed as a firm since I was a trainee in Sunderland and have worked really closely with both David and Laura over the years.

“There’s a real collegiate environment within the legal community in Sunderland, where people really do seem to support each other.

“The opportunity to be part of the firm and to take up a seat on the Board was something I couldn’t turn down and working again in Sunderland just felt like I was coming home.”

Sarah Reid, managing director at Richard Reed, said: “We are delighted to have Cassandra on board, she brings a wealth of skills, experience and legal expertise to our firm.

“Cassandra will enhance our well established and respected family care team, adding to the excellent service we provide. 

“She also joins us as a director, which will further strengthen our leadership and growth as one of the leading legal firms in Sunderland.”

Neil Cunningham, RED Driving School

RED Driving School has announced the appointment of Neil Cunningham as its non-executive chairman.

With more than 30 years’ experience working across the automotive service industry, Neil is well-placed to support the business through this period of growth.

Neil has a wealth of experience working in fleet and vehicle rental for private equity owned and listed businesses such as Europcar and Hertz, and was most recently group CEO of Kindertons Group.

He commented: “I was delighted to be asked to be the Non-Executive Chairman of RED Driving School.

“I have long admired RED and the business’ dedication to the success of its driving instructors and learner drivers.

“The company has a strong commitment to road safety for all drivers, and I’m excited to help make Red Driver Risk Management an important part of future expansion.”

Ian McIntosh, CEO of RED Driving School, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Neil to our team.

“A major focus for us is helping the business world meet its training obligations with respect to all employees driving on business.

“Neil’s extensive background in the corporate fleet market brings a wealth of experience to our team and we look forward to developing the RED Driver Risk Management business.”

Paul Darby, Durham County Council

Durham County Council has announced the appointment of Paul Darby to its senior management team.

The local authority has appointed Paul as interim corporate director of resources.

Paul, who has been serving as Durham County Council’s head of finance and transactional services, has a wide range of experience in local government, starting in 1987.

He commented: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of interim corporate director of resources and very much looking forward to it and all the challenges and opportunities it brings.

“As someone who was not only born in the county but has also spent their entire career here, I am incredibly proud to now be taking on the challenge of leading the county council’s resources service.”

Paul Marshall, J.R. Holland Food Services

Fresh produce distributor J.R. Holland Food Services has announced the appointment of Paul Marshall as general manager.

In his new role, Paul will work across the business helping to expand its capabilities and current offering.

Paul joins J.R. Holland Food Services from Cramlington-based Delifresh, where he has spent the last fifteen years building up knowledge in the management of the fresh produce sector.

John Holland, CEO of J.R. Holland Group, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to J.R. Holland Food Services during an exciting period of growth for the business.

“Paul’s wealth of experience and broad network of contacts across the fresh produce sector will help to strengthen our team and expand our portfolio.

“We look forward to a great year in 2021 filled with fresh innovative ideas, new opportunities and a brilliant team behind us leading the way.”

Paul said: “J.R. Holland Food Services has a fantastic reputation in the fresh produce industry so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join the team at such an exciting time for the business.

“I can’t wait to learn and grow with the business, share my experiences and help expand our current offering.”

Chris Green, Port of Tyne

The Port of Tyne has today announced that Chris Green will join its business development team as commercial director.

Chris joins the Port of Tyne from RMS Ports where he was most recently interim project director.

He spent 18 years in various roles at Associated British Ports (ABP), including as port manager for Cardiff and Newport, regional head of operations for ABP South Wales, and later as port manager for ABP Hull and Goole.

Chris commented: “I’m looking forward to growing the Port’s customer base and, in particular, driving forward the green agenda and pushing the boundaries on innovation within the ports and maritime sector.

“I’m hoping to build on the recent launch of Tyne Clean Energy Park, which has already welcomed its first tenant, positioning the Port as a key player in the growth of the renewable energy sector.

“It’s about making a tangible difference, and delivering on projects that will not only put a positive stamp on the future of the Port, but also boost the regional economy.”