A Staffordshire marketing consultancy has welcomed Catherine Spibey to the business as agency account director.
Catherine has joined Smart Marketing Works, based in Stone, after spending three years as head of marketing at Leeds-based Ceramica Impex.
Prior to that, Catherine clocked up more than 20 years at Johnson Tiles in various senior national account and marketing roles.
Catherine, who lives in Stafford, said: "I am relishing the challenge of transferring the skills and knowledge which I have built up during my career working in-house to the agency environment.
"I'm delighted to be part of the Smart Marketing Works team and I believe there’s a great opportunity before us now to continue the growth profile of the agency and provide class-leading service to all our clients."
Catherine joins a team of 16 at Smart Marketing Works, which has grown steadily since its formation in 2009.
Owner and managing director Kay Porter said: "I am very proud of the fact that we have been able to attract someone of Catherine’s calibre to join our team.
"It's obviously been an exceptionally difficult time for many in our industry, so we are very pleased to have been able to continue our development during the pandemic.
"Catherine's input and expertise will now set us on a very positive course for future growth going forward."
Elsewhere, growing accountancy firm DJH Mitten Clarke has promoted Rebecca Thorley to the role of client services director.
Chartered certified accountant and chartered tax advisor Rebecca joined the Stoke-on-Trent company in 2017 as a client manager.
Now her hard work and determination to deliver 'above and beyond' has earned her a promotion.
In the coming months, Rebecca will be taking on her own portfolio of clients, advising on all aspects of their accounts and business strategy.
Rebecca said: "I've had the opportunity to work with some great business owners over the years and learnt a lot along the way.
"I'm thrilled to be appointed client services director and am very much looking forward continuing to grow as part of the DJH Mitten Clarke leadership team."
Executive director Scott Heath said: "Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing our team grow and develop the way that Rebecca has.
"She thinks about things differently and positions herself as a business advisor rather than just an accountant, which is what we’re all about.
"She has an excellent reputation with her clients and has particularly excelled when it comes to corporate finance."
Law firm Nowell Meller Solicitors has welcomed Lauren Appleton to its commercial property team.
Lauren has joined the company, which has offices in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Alsager and Stafford, from Knights.
She brings 'extensive' knowledge and experience to the team and can advise in relation to sales, purchases, landlord and tenant and corporate finance and refinance.
Lauren acts for a wide range of clients including individuals and small businesses to larger corporate structures from a variety of sectors such as engineering, manufacturing and retail as well as property investment and developments.
Principal solicitor Adam Mayer said: "Lauren's pragmatic approach to commercial transactions is already a hit with our clients, she exudes warmth and care and her knowledge is fantastic."
Elsewhere, fleet management and mobility services provider Fleet Operations has appointed David Bushnell as director of consultancy and strategy.
Reporting directly to the board, David will be an ambassador for the Newcastle-under-Lyme firm's 'unique' approach to tailored fleet management solutions for SME, corporate and international customers.
He will head up the delivery of strategic development and consultancy and will also be sharing his market-leading expertise through a new series of webinars, white papers and best practice guides.
David said: "Fleet Operations has established itself as a clear leader in fleet solutions by staying consistently ahead of the curve in the core areas of customer service, technology and green mobility.
"Our services remain 100 per cent independent of any leasing company, manufacturer or dealer group which is essential to deliver genuinely impartial fleet management advice and tailor-made solutions which really meet clients' needs.
"I'm delighted to be joining such a strong and forward-thinking team and am looking forward to leveraging my experience to help drive further growth."
Ross Jackson, CEO at Fleet Operations, added: "We recognise the importance of providing our customers with unrivalled industry expertise and a consultative approach to fleet strategy.
"That means having the best people available to provide insight, expertise and advice and ensures our strategy and product portfolio continuously evolves. David strengthens an already impressive team and evidences our ongoing commitment to invest in the right people to help our clients solve their mobility needs."
And former apprentice fitter Jon Eardley has landed the top job at Abellio London Bus.
Jon began his career in the bus industry over a quarter of a century ago as a 16-year-old at the PMT Scotia Road depot in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Now Jon - who was previously engineering director of Abellio UK Bus - has been appointed managing director of the London-based bus firm.
Jon, who lives in Barlaston, Staffs, succeeds Tony Wilson who has now retired.
He said: "My ambition is for Abellio London to continue to lead the way in terms of innovative delivery on safe, reliable, green bus transportation that is fit for the future.
"As a key partner in the greatest transportation system in the world, we will play our part in Transport for London's vision for a 'strong green heartbeat for London'".
Jon added: "In 2022 we can look forward to the electrification of four more routes across multiple depots in London. In addition, the completion of our brand-new depot in Dawley Road in Hayes will see 12 state-of-the-art electric buses running, bringing benefits to local communities, customers and staff alike.
"These exciting developments will allow us to continue to lead the way among our peers in cleaning up London's air to meet Transport for London's aspiration for the bus fleet to be zero emission by 2034."
Finally pub group Stonegate Group has appointed Burton-on-Trent local James Richards as director of legal operations.
James brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked in the industry for around 16 years with Spirit Group and more latterly with Punch Pubs & Co.
In his new role, he will focus on legal and estate transactions. He will also take responsibility as code compliance officer under the Pubs Code across the Stonegate Group Pub Partners business.
