This week's North East appointments

Welcome to your latest roundup of appointments from across the region.

Sascia Elliott; Rowena Wallace; NBS

Newcastle-based NBS, a global provider of technical information, specification and BIM tools, has announced they have filled two senior roles to head up their new business development team.

Sascia Elliott, head of partnerships and Rowena Wallace, director of business development, will play vital roles in supporting the company’s ambitious growth plans to recruit an entire team, to focus on developing the business in the UK and internationally.

In the newly created roles, Sascia will be building key partnerships for the company, on a national and global level, whilst Rowena will be identifying, developing and supporting customer relationships.

Sascia is a qualified solicitor, with significant commercial experience in both the private sector and NHS.

Rowena has over 20 years of experience in business development, working for Johnston Press, Newsquest and The Daily Mail and General Trust Group.

Sascia said: “NBS is at the forefront of driving change through technology and has truly inspiring plans to expand its global reach.

“In my role I hope to contribute to that end from a commercial and legal perspective. There are certainly great times ahead for us as a business.”

Rowena added: “I am looking forward to joining the new team at NBS and supporting them through an exciting time, to ensure it sustains an advantage and develop new business, in the competitive, global marketplace.”

Stephen King; Gary Edmundson, Go North East

The region’s largest bus operator, Go North East, has appointed Stephen King into the new role of commercial director and Gary Edmundson as its new operations director.

Stephen has been with the bus company since joining on a youth training programme, and over 20 years with the company has gained valuable experience and knowledge of commercial, retail and marketing strategies.

Responsible for spearheading various Go North East’s marketing and ticketing initiatives, Stephen led on the recent introduction of contactless payments across its whole fleet, the £1 fare for young people and its family-centred Big Days Out campaign.

Gary began his career with Go North East as a minibus driver in 1988 and is celebrating 30 years with the company this year.

He replaces the current operations director, David Curry, who is leaving the business in April after more than 30 years, to take up a similar position nearer his home in Northern Ireland.

Matthew Robertson, Jackson Hogg

Jackson Hogg, a North East recruitment firm, has expanded its operations and supply chain team with the appointment of a new senior consultant.

Matthew Robertson brings with him five years of recruitment experience, after a career change that saw him leave the golf industry in 2013.

Working alongside managing consultant ,Chris Beevers, Matthew aims to strengthen the focus on Food and FMCG clients, which has seen significant growth after recent contract wins.

Chris said: “We are pleased to welcome Matthew to the team at such a busy time for Jackson Hogg.

“We are working with clients in a multitude of sectors right across the UK, and Matthew’s experience along with the knowledge he brings with him will really bolster our offering.”

Matthew added: “I am pleased to be part of such a talented business that has made a name for itself as a consultancy that is challenging the norm when it comes to recruitment.”

Sarah Dover, intu Metrocentre

Sarah Dover has been appointed as operations manager at intu Metrocentre, Europe’s largest retail and leisure destination.

Sarah, 33, was born and raised in Cumbria but moved to the North East where she studied at Newcastle College and gained qualifications in human resources, leadership and management.

Sarah joined intu Metrocentre in 2006, working in the administration department, and since then has enjoyed numerous promotions including taking on the role of customer services coordinator, followed by guest services manager.

She said: “My new role as operations manager involves taking responsibility for full operational management of the centre. It involves driving the team to achieve key objectives and I also have new responsibilities for health and safety training.

“Shopping centres and facility management is an ever-changing industry which really encourages creativity - you always have to be looking at ways to improve and create efficiencies and innovation is key.”

Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Metrocentre, added: “At intu our aim is to create a world class experience for our guests and our operations managers are key to leading our in house teams to deliver this level of customer service.

“Sarah is perfectly suited to the role of operations manager - she’s passionate about maintaining high standards and achieving targets and her enthusiasm for the retail industry really shines through.”

Gordon Hewling, GVA

GVA has appointed Gordon Hewling, senior director and head of its North East building team, as its new Newcastle head of office.

Gordon is involved with many major projects in the north east including the redevelopment of Newton Aycliffe and Ashington town centres.

He is also acting as development adviser and project manager on the 12-acre East Pilgrim Street regeneration in Newcastle, a mixed-use scheme extending from Swan House roundabout to Northumberland Street, a key development site in the city centre.

Gordon commented: “Our Newcastle office holds a strong position in the market, providing strategic real estate advice in both the public and private sectors.

“It delivered an excellent performance during 2017 so it is an exciting time to be taking over as head of the GVA Newcastle office as we continue to drive the office forward to maximise its full potential in the region.”

The office has been strengthened recently by the appointment of Shaun Cuggy and Anna Greenwood to the respective PDR and PMC teams.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →