Global craft business Crafter’s Companion has appointed David Stern as its new non-executive chair.
He joins the Newton Aycliffe company with more than 30 years’ experience in retail and consumer brands in the UK and US. Originally from New York, Mr Stern spent 11 years in leadership positions at Unilever and most recently led bath and beauty brand, Crabtree & Evelyn through a successful digital transformation.
With expertise in areas such as international expansion, e-commerce and consumer branding, he also sits as non-executive chair for three other UK companies, Bleach London, Lights4fun and Duke & Dexter.
Read more: go here for more North East business news
Mr Stern, who is now based in the UK, said: “Joining the Crafter’s Companion board offers a fantastic opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with a forward-looking and innovative company. Crafter’s Companion is a well-established brand with an extensive portfolio of products that seek to inspire and support creative people across the world. There is so much potential for further growth and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Vertu Motors plc has appointed Peter Nicholas as group property director.
Mr Nicholas joins from property and planning consultancy Rapleys and in his 20 years at the company, he provided specialist property advice across the motor retail sector. In his role at Vertu Motors plc, he will focus on leases, rent reviews, valuations, acquisitions and disposals. He will also oversee the construction team.
Vertu Motors has grown to 160 sales outlets across the UK in 120 locations over the last 15 years, with ambitious plans to further expand.
Mr Nicholas said: “I am delighted to be joining a well-managed, expanding motor retail business. Vertu Motors plc has a significant portfolio of property, both owned and leased, with impressive plans to grow further. I am excited to be in a role where I can support these ambitions.”
WilliamsAli, the North East’s specialist M&A boutique, has appointed Simon Hewitson as corporate finance director.
Mr Hewitson, who is a chartered accountant, has specialised in corporate finance work for over 12 years and has advised the owners and directors of a wide range of private and listed companies in the North East operating in a variety of different sectors on sale, acquisition, debt, and private equity activity.
Phil Williams, partner, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Simon to WilliamsAli. He is a highly experienced advisor with an outstanding reputation and a long and distinguished career. His appointment is a tremendous reflection on the growing profile of WilliamsAli and to attract someone of his calibre puts a marker in the ground as we continue to grow and expand our capability.”
Mr Hewitson said: “I am excited to be joining WilliamsAli and look forward to being part of their future growth story. I was attracted by the senior lead advisory approach and the type of deals they’ve recently advised on as well as working for a pure M&A boutique operating independently in the North East.”
Byggfakta Group, one of Europe’s largest construction data providers, has announced the promotion of NBS CEO Russell Haworth to the new role of Byggfakta Group UK CEO.
He will maintain his leadership of NBS, Byggfakta Group’s leading construction technology platform, whilst also overseeing its sister companies: Glenigan, a leading UK provider of construction sales leads and analysis, and CIS, one of Ireland’s most-trusted construction standards suppliers.
Four new positions have also been added to the group management team. Alongside Mr Haworth, Miguel Sobral will be promoted to Byggfakta Group continental Europe CEO, and Robert Krups and Damian Eastman will join as co-CEOs. Lindi Teate, currently group HR Director, will be promoted to chief people officer.
Colin Smith, currently group CSO, has made the decision to change his work-life balance this year and will cease all executive responsibilities. He will remain with the group during a period of transition.
Stefan Lindqvist, CEO of Byggfakta Group, said: “I am very pleased to confirm our new group management team. The extensive experience that the team brings to the business and their respective areas of accountability give us the prerequisites to benefit from our leading position.”
Ward Hadaway has appointed Gemma Iceton at its Newcastle headquarters.
Ms Iceton joins the organisation as a partner in the family and matrimonial team. With over 17 years’ experience in family law, including over six years as head of family law at another leading law firm, she advises on all aspects of family law such as separation, financial matters, children and pre-nuptial and living together agreements.
She said: “I’m thrilled to join the team at Ward Hadaway and work with some of the best family solicitors from across the region. Our scope of work is diverse, and we cover such a broad range of family and matrimonial matters that no two days are the same.
“We have a great ethic, share the same values, and our combined experience and expertise means we can push on from where we’re at, serve the needs of a wider range of clients, and continue to grow our team of family law specialists.”
Bradley Hall has promoted Laura Walker to head of property management.
Ms Walker, who started her career with the company as an 18-year-old administration assistant, has been rewarded for years of dedicated service and hard work with the promotion.
Neil Hart, group managing director at Bradley Hall, said: “Laura joined the firm in 2011 as an administration assistant without much direction of what she wanted to achieve in the longer term. She is someone that has a natural flair for property and has progressed with great success ever since. She is taking the helm in our property management department which continues to grow year-on-year, and I couldn’t be more comfortable and confident with her promotion.”
Ms Walker said: “During my 11 years here, it is safe to say I have continuously been offered opportunities to learn and progress. Early in my career I was offered the opportunity to enrol on the real estate management degree, which I completed on a part-time basis while fulfilling my role at Bradley Hall and became Chartered 7 months later. I am incredibly excited for my next challenge at Bradley Hall to grow the department and continue to offer an exemplary service to our clients.”
