This week's North East appointments

Rhiannon Hiles, Living Museum of the North

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has announced the appointment of Rhiannon Hiles as its chief executive.

Rhiannon has been appointed by Beamish’s board of trustees, following a comprehensive recruitment process, and will take up the post immediately, leading the museum’s talented team of staff and volunteers, strategic development and operations.

She was previously the museum’s deputy director, and has extensive curatorial, commercial, operational and development expertise.

Rhiannon said: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the role of CEO at Beamish, I was brought up in the North East and I am very proud of the region’s heritage.

“I’m passionate about the role Beamish plays in people’s lives, our communities and our reach nationally and internationally.

“Our people are the heart of Beamish and I am very much looking forward to working further with the museum’s staff, volunteers, stakeholders and partners.

“I am honoured and excited to be leading Beamish into its next phase and towards an even brighter future.”

Ruth Crabtree, International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education

The ICSSPE has announced the appointment of Ruth Crabtree to its development committee.

Ruth, who is principal lecturer in sport management in Northumbria’s department of sport, exercise and rehabilitation, has been appointed to the development committee for the next four years.

She is currently the vice president of the world association of sport management and also previously held the position of advisor to the African sport business association.

Ruth commented: “It is an honour to be elected to work within an internationally recognized organisation that aligns with my personal values of inclusivity, equality, and cooperation.

“I very much value the work that ICSSPE undertakes and will relish the opportunity to play a working role in helping to achieve their strategic vision.

“As with all work I undertake with external organisations, I also look forward to developing opportunities for Northumbria staff and students too, whether that be attendance to conferences and events or exploring the potential for work placement opportunities.”

Lee Weatherburn, Creo Comms

Sunderland communications consultancy Creo Comms has announced the appointment of Lee Weatherburn as a new designer.

Lee joins the city centre firm with over 20 years of design experience across a range of clients in B2B and B2C sectors, specialising in graphic and web design.

He previously ran design agency, Depict Design, for five years and before that worked as the design, print and web manager at North Tyneside Council, responsible for the graphic design team, web team and an internal print and reprographics department.

He has also previously worked for Newcastle College, the ministry of defence and Sage Software, as well as working on a freelance basis for many small to medium-sized businesses and charitable organisations.

Lee said: “Creo’s ambition, along with the opportunity to work with an exciting and growing range of clients, was just too good a proposition to ignore. I’m looking forward to joining a dynamic team and complementing the current high standards of creative output.”

Steven Horsley, Simpson Millar

National consumer law firm Simpson Millar has announced the appointment of personal injury heavyweight Steven Horsley at its new North East office.

Joining as the new head of military, Steven brings with him more than 20 years’ experience in high-value, complex injury cases, including acting on behalf of individuals who have suffered as a result of medical negligence.

A member of the association of personal injury lawyers and a skilled mediator, he moves from Hartlepool-based Smith and Graham Solicitors where he spent more than a decade leading the firm’s personal injury and clinical negligence department.

Ian Cohen, director of injury at Simpson Millar, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Steven as head of military in the injury practice area.

“His wealth of experience in the field reflects our dedication to continue recruiting the best people for our clients.

“Our team only continues to grow in strength, and I am confident that Steven will contribute to its success. We remain focused on our ‘open’ ethos, and our collective aim of being the people-centred legal solution provider.”

Steven added: “I am certainly looking forward to joining Ian and the team at Simpson Millar as the firm continues its journey in delivering open and transparent legal advice which is accessible for all.

“Throughout my career I have been motivated to provide the best legal service available. That drives me to explore innovative ways of working within the legal environment as it constantly evolves to achieve high success rates and positive outcomes for all.

“Simpson Millar’s ethos and approach to be available at the key moments in their clients’ lives when they need expert legal advice the most struck a chord with me, and I am looking forward to being a part of a network of national lawyers who share a common goal.”