This week’s Yorkshire appointments

This week’s round up of Yorkshire appointments includes The Switalskis Group, Andrew Jackson, and Engage. Read on to find out more.

Gaynor Appleyard, The Switalskis Group

The Switalskis Group has welcomed professional services marketing expert Gaynor Appleyard as head of marketing and business development.

The group-wide role will see Gaynor work alongside existing teams from the three Switalskis businesses to coordinate and strengthen marketing and business development across the fast-growing Yorkshire law firm.

Gaynor’s 25-year career in the professional services sector spans brand, marketing, and business development roles at Deloitte, EY, BDO, Eversheds, KPMG, and Mace & Jones Solicitors. Most recently, Gaynor was Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager at DLA Piper in Leeds.

The Switalskis group employs 425 people and operates from 12 locations across Yorkshire. The marketing and business development brief includes Atherton Godfrey and Pryers Solicitors, both acquired by Switalskis in 2021.

Gaynor (pictured right) commented: “I saw an exciting opportunity to shape marketing and BD across the group following the two acquisitions last year, and to bring those teams together under a cohesive, group-wide strategy.

“Now I know the business a little better, I know that commercial ambition and drive is backed by a strong focus on people and a genuine desire to make a difference, and that really appeals to me. I can’t wait to get started.”

Sarah Parker, Andrew Jackson

Law firm Andrew Jackson has today announced the appointment of Sarah Parker, who joins the firm’s growing team as a senior solicitor, strengthening its offering regionally and throughout the UK. Sarah’s expertise across a range of property law issues, along with her knowledge of agriculture and rural affairs, will add further value to the firm’s client offering.

Sarah (pictured right) commented: “Having worked for another law firm in the region I am aware of Andrew Jackson’s excellent reputation for property work, as well as its growing recognition as being among the region’s leading providers of services to the rural farming community.

“I am excited to join the firm and look forward to using my experience to provide in-depth legal expertise and pragmatic advice, which is tailored to the needs of the businesses and individuals we work with.”

With several years’ property experience, Sarah has advised commercial clients, including rural landowners and farmers, on a wide range of property matters including assisting clients with their solar panel farm and wind turbine projects, Selion land transactions, farming partnership agreements and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies.

Geoff Phillips, partner and head of Andrew Jackson’s property team (pictured left), added: “Sarah is a valuable and welcome addition to the team, strengthening the expertise and services we offer to our clients.

“She understands the particular complexities involved in rural land transactions and negotiations, so it’s great to have her on board and to strengthen our offer in this area.”

Matt Whatt, Engage

Digital agency Engage has invested in its project management and strategy offering with the appointment of a new head of Delivery.

Matt Whatt (pictured left) has recently been promoted from client strategist to head of Delivery and will be responsible for leading project management and client strategy within the business. This includes the overall delivery of projects and retained services, with a focus on account retention and growth.

Working closely with teams across the agency, Matt will ensure the accurate resource and management is available, and coordinate hiring strategies to ensure the right talent is appointed to each team.

Matt commented: “Since my appointment at Engage I’ve really enjoyed implementing new processes and strategy across the agency’s functions and accounts, and have seen significant success in my endeavours.

“It means a lot that my work and achievements have been recognised and that I’ve been given this fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in driving the agency forward.”

Alex Willcocks, managing director at Engage (pictured right), added: “The processes that Matt has implemented over the past year have been pivotal to Engage’s current successes and our future growth.

“Matt has a wealth of experience in both project management and client strategy functions, and he displays inspirational leadership qualities. This has enabled him to steer the growth, not only of the Delivery team, but of teams across the business.”


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