Middlesbrough-based GB Bank has recruited Rob Lankey as its new chief commercial officer as it ramps up operations following the grant of its full UK banking licence.
Mr Lankey joins GB Bank after more than 30 years in the financial services sector, having worked in a range of organisations in the specialist lending and banking industry and has launched, built and grown a number of short and long-term lending businesses. He was one of the four start-up members of Aldermore Bank plc, held senior positions at Shawbrook Bank and Amicus Finance plc and was also the CEO of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).
Mr Lankey joins GB Bank from specialist property finance company Chordis Capital along with three key members of his team. assistant relationship manager Jacqueline Prentice, relationship manager John Pointer and underwriter Jeveria Tazim.
Read more: 120 jobs created by consultancy Fusion for Business in North scale-up plans
He said: “GB Bank represents something really new in the financial services sector – a bank which is focused on lending to SME developers and property investors throughout the property lifecycle, offering innovative finance solutions and truly investing in helping to build local communities. I’m really looking forward to contributing to GB Bank’s growth as it embarks on ambitious plans to bring positive impact to communities in areas that need it most.”
North East equine bedding manufacturer Bedmax Limited has appointed equestrian sales specialist Suzi Law as head of regional sales in the UK. Ms Law will be responsible for designing and delivering a company sales strategy that falls in line with the overall business plan to deliver growth.
She has almost 30 years of experience in sales roles and comes from TopSpec Equine Ltd,where progressed through the ranks from business development manager to northern sales manager. Prior to that, she spent four years as store manager at WCF Pet and Equestrian in Lanark.
She said: “I am delighted to be taking this next step in my career within an industry I am so passionate about. Bedmax is at the top of the game in terms of equine and animal bedding and I’m excited to see what the future holds. I am looking forward to working with and supporting the team to help further develop business and ongoing growth.”
North East property, renewable energy and minerals firm The Banks Group has taken five new recruits onto its graduate training programme. Nathanael Cutts, Kieran Feeney, Sisi Spasova, James Thompson and Katie Walvin have taken on a range of different roles with the Durham family firm, including energy systems within renewables, development planning, surveying and communications, and are based across Banks’ Durham and Leeds offices.
The scheme offers recruits the chance to take on real workplace responsibilities with the support of an experienced team around them and to learn, develop and deliver across a range of disciplines that support Banks’ planned and operational projects. Each one has now started on a comprehensive 18-month training programme.
Gordon Thomson, head of projects at Banks Renewables, who himself joined the business as a graduate trainee, said: “It’s great to see how well all our trainees have started in their respective roles and they all undoubtedly have the potential to build successful careers here.”
Hexham based soft drinks and mixers brand Fentimans has appointed Jayne Andrews as its new marketing director.
Ms Andrews has 25 years of experience, having worked with household brands within the grocery, telecommunications, health and technology industries, and more recently led brand marketing for one of the world’s largest travel companies, Carnival Cruise Line. She was named Travel Marketer of the Year in 2017 following her contribution to the launch of Carnival Cruise Line across Australia and New Zealand, and then went on to relaunch the brand in the US, following the pandemic.
She said: “Throughout my varied career, I have been able to acquire a wealth of experience and expertise working with some of the biggest brands in multiple markets. Bringing all that I’ve gained to a market leader is extremely exciting. With Fentimans having such a rich heritage and interesting story, the opportunities to create even more engaging and creative brand marketing and promotions are endless.”
Elanders UK, part of the global Elanders group, has announced a number of appointments within its marketing department. Ryan Blakemore is appointed senior marketing executive and Mia Ojomo joins as marketing apprentice. In an internal appointment, Martin Ellison steps up to become business development director, having formerly been head of business development.
Elanders UK is part of Elanders Group, a global partner for integrated supply chain solutions with over 90 operations across four continents. Kevin Rogers, managing director at Elanders UK, said: “A warm welcome to Ryan and Mia. This is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate the can-do attitude that all of our colleagues demonstrate on a daily basis and to provide added value when communicating not just to our team but to our loyal customers.”
IT specialist ITPS has unveiled new appointments to its board and senior leadership team, to support its next phase of growth.
The Chester-le-Street-based business delivers intelligent technology solutions across cloud, network services, cyber security, managed services, professional services, and data and analytics. Simon Newton joins as the new CEO, bringing a 25-year background in senior management roles, having played pivotal roles in the growth of businesses spanning the IT, financial, and clean energy sectors.
New head of product management is Dr Dave Reed, who has 30 years’ experience working across the world in the leadership of technical product development and cyber security. Rachel Potter steps into the newly created role of head of marketing.
Mr Newton said: “This is a new era for ITPS, as the business emerges from the pandemic years leaner and fitter, supported by new owners and a strengthened management team. It is tremendously exciting to join a team with such an impressive reputation for the provision of complex IT services, and to be leading the business as we deliver an ambitious business plan. A very promising future lies ahead for ITPS and its customers.”
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