This week's North East appointments

Lee Elgie, Erimus

Erimus business insurance broker has appointed Lee Elgie as a new operations director.

Lee joins the firm in a role created specifically for him, in which he will take control of various aspects of the business, including broking, compliance and finance, as well as improving operational efficiency at the firm.

Lee commented: “I’m really excited to join Erimus. I’ve lived and worked around the country, but this area is home for me, so it feels great to be back.

“I wouldn’t have come back for just any job. I know Erimus and its reputation is excellent, so the opportunity to work here was just too good to turn down.

“The people are fantastic at what they do, loyal and really welcoming. I genuinely feel at home here”

Director Paul Davison added: “Lee is a local lad who has worked around the UK and the wealth of experience he has gained will help us to continue to grow as a business.

“He’s an ambitious individual and we couldn’t be happier to have him with us.”

Andy Towne, Montane

Montane, has announced the appointment of Andy Towne as chair of its refreshed board of directors.

The appointment follows the recent investment into Montane by Inverleith LLP, the Scottish based consumer brand investor, which took a majority stake in the company.

Andy began his career in advertising at agency, Saatchi & Saatchi, before moving into marketing roles with the likes of Adidas, Helly Hansen and Reebok.

In 2008, Andy became the managing director of Musto, the British sailing, equestrian and lifestyle outdoor clothing brand.

Following this, Andy spent 5 years as executive board member and president of apparel at Amer Sports.

Jake Doxat, Montane’s managing director commented: “I am absolutely delighted that Andy is joining Montane as the chair of the board of directors.

“He brings a wealth of experience and expertise within the outdoor and wider sports industry and that experience spans both the UK and international markets.

“With this background and his personal passion for Montane, I believe Andy will be a great asset for the brand.”

Andy added: “Over two decades, Montane has steadily grown, carefully building its reputation for performance and quality clothing and accessories within fast-paced mountain sports.

“With involvement from Inverleith LLP as majority investor, the time is right to introduce Montane’s ‘Further. Faster’ mindset to a wider audience and to continue its growth both in the UK and internationally.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the team at Inverleith and with Jake in driving forward the Montane brand.”

Victoria Beattie, Port of Tyne

Victoria Beattie has joined the Port of Tyne, one of the UK’s deep-sea ports, as its head of estates.

In her new role, Victoria will be responsible for the Port’s diverse land and property portfolio, working alongside both internal and external stakeholders.

A chartered quantity surveyor, Victoria has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry.

She joins the Port from The Gateshead Housing Company, a non-profit housing provider, where she was Director of Property and Assets from 2017, responsible for investment of over £300m, and turnover of over £40 million per annum.

Previously, Victoria worked for Gateshead Council for 18 years, most recently as its Director of Construction Services, where she delivered a 5 per cent profit every year during a period of transition, overseeing a reduction in overheads of 30 per cent.

Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Victoria to the team.

“She brings substantial experience gained in the construction, local government, housing and private sectors, and will play a key role in regenerating our development property portfolio.”

“This is a fantastic new challenge, with the potential to have a real impact on our local economy.

Victoria commented: “The Port has an extensive land and property portfolio, and I’m looking forward to working alongside Matt and the team – in particular working towards the Port’s aim of doubling diversity by 2030.”

Hayley Fell, Evolved Search

Digital marketing agency, Evolved Search, has announced the promotion of Hayley Fell to head of client services.

The head of client services role - new for the agency - will be split between providing clients with senior account and performance management, and overseeing the development of the growing account management department.

Hayley commented: “I’m thrilled that within my first 18 months, I’ve had this opportunity to construct and lead the account management offering.

“The agency has grown and changed a lot during my time here and as a result, I’ve been able to develop alongside this.

“We have some exciting internal projects underway, including a new strategic framework and improved product offering, both of which are underpinned by strong delivery processes.

“This will help us to continue providing the excellent support and results that we’re known for.”

Tom Etherington, operations director, added: “We’ve enjoyed great success as an agency over the past couple of years, with numerous award wins, exciting clients joining us, and a steadily-growing team.

“Client services has been an integral part of that success and we’re fortunate that Hayley has had the drive and determination to shape what we have today.

“I have seen the future roadmap too and am looking forward to everything that Hayley wants the department, and agency, to achieve in the future.”

Emily Broughton, Roberts Environmental

Roberts Environmental has announced that it has appointed Emily Broughton as consultant.

Emily, who graduated from Newcastle University with an MSc in Environmental Engineering, joined Roberts Environmental in March 2018 as a graduate consultant. She will now see an increase in responsibility working across larger projects.

Jeff Roberts, managing director at Roberts Environmental said: “Emily has become an important part of the team since joining in March 2018.

“The past 18 months has been incredibly important for the firm as our strategic growth was underway, and I would credit a big part of that success to having the right team in place.

“Emily’s dedication and ability to adapt to our broad client range has been impressive. We look forward to supporting Emily throughout her future career development.”

Emily said: “I am delighted to be promoted from my graduate role to consultant. Since joining the team I have been able to play a key role in a number of projects as my responsibilities have grown along the way.

“Jeff and the team have been incredibly supportive of my career development.

“I look forward to continuing with a North East based firm which provides a quality service to local, national and international businesses from a range of different sectors.”

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