This week's North East appointments

Dale Robertson, Salamander Pumps

Sunderland-based Salamander Pumps has appointed Dale Robertson as its new managing director.

Dale started his career as a product design engineer and since has gone on to lead teams in a number of engineering, management and marketing director roles for global companies including Gripple and Jeld-Wen, as well as leading a number of smaller startups.

In this new role, Dale will focus on leading the business throughout the next stage of its development.

Dale commented: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of managing director at Salamander – especially at such an exciting time for the company. I started out as an engineer and have always had a passion for uncovering customer or product issues, and then finding ways to solve them.

“The MD role at Salamander really appealed to me – I’ve worked at huge global companies and small intimate startups – but Salamander is a real sweet spot – it’s nimble and agile, innovative and full of potential for significant growth.

“However, my main focus will be ensuring that the customer is at the forefront of everything we do at Salamander Pumps – from the products we develop right through to the customer service journey and aftercare that we offer.”

Garry Ellis, Clive Owen LLP

Chartered accountants and business advisory firm Clive Owen LLP has appointed Gary Ellis as managing partner.

Gary takes over from Tony Luckett who has held the position for the last six years. Gary Ellis joined Clive Owen LLP in 1996 and opened the Durham office of the firm in 1997.

Clive is a specialist in owner-managed businesses and is actively involved in the management of the Durham office, as well as being part of the firm’s management committee.

Gary Ellis said: “I am delighted to take on the role of managing partner and proud of the outstanding team of professionals we have at Clive Owen LLP, who go above and beyond to advise our clients through various challenges.

“Hopefully we will now start to see wider economic recovery which will allow us to focus on the next phase of the firm’s development as we slowly return to the new normality.”

Sophie Lineton, Beaumont Landscapes

Sophie Lineton has taken over the role of managing director of Newton Aycliffe-based Beaumont Landscapes.

Sophie has worked as an account manager for Beaumont over the last seven years and earlier this year was appointed operations director.

In her new role, Sophie plans to bring in a new management team, including a contracts manager, foremen and a non-executive board.

Sophie said: “What’s most pleasing is the number of jobs we continue to win on our home patch on Aycliffe Business Park. People can see the standard of our work – and word of mouth goes a long way.

“I’m excited to take on the responsibility and proud to continue building the family business. I’ve had a good solid foundation within the business over the last seven years and I feel I’m ready to take the business on to the next level.”

Michael Stirrup, Waterstons

Business and technology consultancy Waterstons has appointed Michael Stirrup as its new chief executive officer.

Michael has been a member of Waterstons for 15 years, previously in the role of finance director.

During Michael’s time as finance director, the company grew from 59 consultants to over 230 worldwide.

Michael said: “I’m really excited to be taking on the role of CEO. It’s been a challenging 18 months for everybody, but we’ve managed to exceed all expectations by growing our turnover to £18M and recruiting 40 hugely talented people.

“We’re maturing and changing our range of services & skills to ensure we continue to help our clients reduce their risk and digitally transform their businesses.

“We’ve got some exciting growth plans and our new branding and website continues to reflect our client centric and people first culture, helping us build long lasting relationships with both clients and a diverse range of new recruits.”

Ryan Doyle, Absolute Quality

Newcastle-based consultancy and training provider Absolute Quality has appointed Ryan Doyle as graduate consultant.

Ryan joins the company after graduating from Northumbria University with a first-class degree in business management and hands-on work experience in Spain and the Netherlands, where he worked with brands including Patagonia and Barclays Bank.

MD Helen Short said: “One of our principles here at Absolute Quality is to nurture our own team and getting the right fit with our values and ethos is just as important as expertise and experience.

“Following a rigorous interview process, I am now delighted to welcome him to the team. We’re very much looking forward to helping him kick start his career and develop his skillsets while driving our ambitious plans to grow the company and further expand the wide range of businesses we work with.”

Ryan said: “I’m really excited to be part of the Absolute Quality team and fully share their passion in helping businesses go from good to great. I was attracted to the role as it’s very hands-on and varied, it’s not just about writing reports.

“It’s all about engaging and empowering clients and their team, working creatively to help them really get involved with finding the right solutions and improvement measures to help them grow and thrive, and this is an approach that I very much believe in.”