This week's London appointments

Stuart Thompson, ThinCats

Fintech SME lender ThinCats has appointed Stuart Thompson as director of regional business development for London.

With over 10 years of experience in business banking roles at Barclays Corporate Finance, Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank, Stuart has worked with SMEs across a range of sectors.

In his new role, Stuart will originate and structure lending facilities for growing businesses across London and the South West region.

Commenting on his appointment, Stuart said:“I’m very excited to join the ThinCats team at such an interesting time for the business and I look forward to continuing to support SMEs across London and the South West.

“With a pragmatic approach to lending and ability to make quick decisions, Thincats is well positioned as an alternative lender to support management teams in what is considered an underserved SME market.”

Julia Simet, Gensler

Global architecture, design and planning practice Gensler has appointed Julia Simet as a new co-regional managing principal alongside Duncan Swinhoe.

Julia joined Gensler in 1994, with her most recent role in the company as regional managing principal for the Northeast region based in New York.

Julia’s new role will see her work with Duncan Swinhoe to grow the business across Europe as well as expand Gensler’s client base in the workplace sector.

Julia is a member of Gensler’s Board of Directors and Management Committee, focusing her efforts on client relationships and leadership development, as well as chair of the board’s Talent and Compensation Committee focusing on strategies designed to recruit, retain, and reward talent within the business.

Duncan Swinhoe, co-regional managing principal at Gensler commented: “We’re thrilled to have Julia on board and I personally look forward to working closely with her to continue the growth of our London office and European region.

“Her leadership experience, industry knowledge, and strategic capabilities will be crucial as we broaden our focus on securing and delivering complex workplace and interior design projects for our clients and prospects.”

Maree McNicol, Bronwen Westrip and John Worthington, JDO

Strategic design agency JDO has welcomed three new appointments to its London studio.

Maree McNicol joins as client business director, with over 15 years of experience at companies such as Coley Porter Bell, Edrington, Unilever and Coca-Cola. Her new role will see her driving global client initiatives as well as developing new business opportunities.

Bronwen Westrip joins as creative director, focusing on innovative thinking, conceptual design, and creative storytelling. With 18 years of experience, Bronwen has worked with FMCG companies such as ABInBev, MARS, and Britvic to organisations like Cancer Research UK and the Ethiopian Government.

John Worthington joins the team as design director, supporting the strategic design consultancy’s commitment to propel the business forward with a dynamic global offering.

JDO managing director Fiona Florence commented: “Maree, Bronwen and John bring such a wealth of talent and experience to our team that will no doubt reinforce our role as brand guardians committed to providing our clients with beautiful and brave work that supports their brand strategies and drives value.”

Emma Regan, Beattie Communications

Integrated agency, Beattie Communications, has promoted Emma Regan to the role of account director.

Joining the agency’s northern division in 2017 as an account manager, Emma has a degree in fashion marketing as well as over five years of consumer PR experience, having worked with fashion, beauty and lifestyle brand such as Superdrug, Very.co.uk, Littlewoods and JD Williams.

During her time at Beattie Communications, Emma has worked on projects such as influencer campaigns with La Redoute and the roll out of designer collaborations for Specsavers with Balmain Paris, Kylie Minogue Eyewear and Osiris Eyewear fronted by Gary Barlow.

Emma’s new role will involve supporting the senior team to expand the fashion, retail and consumer division of the agency, as well as joining the team overseeing the influencer division.

Rachel Gladwin, the agency’s communications director, said: “Emma is loved by her clients and colleagues alike for her energy, integrity and honesty. Retail is her passion and in today’s crowded landscape she has the ability to cut through with campaigns that make a commercial impact.”

Mandip Englund, Reed Smith

Law firm Reed Smith has appointed Mandip Englund as a partner in its Financial Industry Group.

Mandip, a restructuring and insolvency lawyer with a law degree and legal practice diploma from the University of Nottingham, joins the firm from a role providing counsel at Linklaters.

Mandip has worked on several high profile cross-border insolvencies and restructurings, with experience in project financings and distressed work for companies, financial stakeholders, equity sponsors, advisory firms, creditors and insolvency practitioners in relation to strategy, transactions and contentious matters.

Ed Estrada, global chair of Reed Smith’s Financial Industry Group, said: “Mandip’s track record of working on cross-border restructurings and special situations compliments and adds depth to our restructuring and insolvency team in Europe and the US.

“Her technical expertise, coupled with an innate ambition for delivering results, will be of great value to our funds and corporate clients, and builds on our historic strength in these areas.”

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