This week's North East appointments

Stuart Lynn, Newcastle Building Society

Newcastle Building Society has announced the appointment of Stuart Lynn to its board as a non-executive director.

Stuart originally joined the board of Newcastle Building Society’s tech subsidiary, Newcastle Strategic Solutions, last year.

Phil Moorhouse, chairman of Newcastle Building Society, commented: “We’re delighted that Stuart agreed to join the society’s board after a very successful year on the board of Newcastle Strategic Solutions.

We want to develop an approach to technology that can support the provision and delivery of excellent service that is unequivocally human and personal.

“Stuart’s deep understanding of the potential for digital transformation within businesses, and how to drive commercial growth through better customer experiences will help guide the society and solutions over the coming years.”

Stuart added: “Newcastle Building Society embodies the values of innovation and creativity that characterise the digital tech sector in our region, and having already gained experience within Newcastle Strategic Solutions, I’m eager to continue to support the wider organisation achieve its long term ambitions.

“The Society is dedicated to developing collaborative partnerships within our communities and my role will be to help the organisation on its journey.

“This includes supporting the society through use of technology to achieve its purpose of connecting communities with a better financial future.”

Andrew Moffat and Mark Thompson, North East LEP

Andrew Moffat CBE has been made chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Investment Board, and the board has also welcomed a new member, managing partner of Ryder Architecture, Mark Thompson.

Andrew has been appointed as chair of the investment board having served as a member for the past four years, taking on the role following the departure of former chair, David Land. Both Andrew and Mark also serve on the main North East LEP board.

Andrew has extensive experience in financial, commercial and strategic roles in a range of international companies.

Mark Thompson is managing partner of Ryder Architecture, where he is responsible for the strategic development of the highly successful design company with offices across the UK and a growing international portfolio from offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver.

Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East LEP, commented: “The investment board is made up of five public and private sector members, plus three non-voting specialist advisers.

“The appointment of Andrew as chair and Mark as a board member further strengthens the expertise which oversees the delivery of vital investment into strategic projects across our region.”

Andrew commented: “As our region looks to the future following the impact of COVID-19, projects like these will help shape our recovery, bringing more and better jobs to the North East.

“The region continues to be an attractive place for investors and the expertise of the investment board members, in ensuring that funding is allocated in a way which benefits people in the region, is vital.”

Vicki Shouksmith, MMC

North East research and marketing agency, MMC, has appointed Vicki Shouksmith as research and project manager to strengthen its team.

Natasha McDonough, managing director, commented: “For us, Vicki is the missing piece we’ve been looking for and I’m excited to see the impact she has on our client projects.

“Her vast quantitative research knowledge will mean we can expand our offer to do more survey and consumer research and her project management skills will mean that she can whip us into shape when it comes to planning!”

Vicki said: “I was so excited to join MMC because it was clear that Natasha really values her staff and prioritises wellbeing and culture.

“Plus, working for a successful female entrepreneur felt like a learning opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

“The role means I get to stick with research which I’m passionate about whilst also honing my project management skills and learning more about the running of a business.

“Starting a new role virtually is strange, but being handed projects from day one has meant that I already feel like part of the team.

“There’s lots to learn, but questionnaire design and reporting skills are easily transferrable so I’ve been able to get started quite easily.

“It’ll be strange going into the office for the first time and actually meeting the team in person!”

John Tooke, Kath Mackay and Jonathan Sheffield, Northern Health Science Alliance

The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) has welcomed three new directors to take forward the organisation into the next stage of its development.

Professor Sir John Tooke, Dr Kath Mackay and Dr Jonathan Sheffield OBE have joined the organisation as non-executive directors.

Professor Sir John commented: “I’m delighted to be joining the NHSA Board to help this remarkable organisation advance population health and wealth through leveraging its many strengths and spirit of partnership.”

Dr Mackay said: “The NHSA has a strong reputation and is poised to make a difference to health research and innovation in the North and wider UK.

“I am excited to be joining at such a critical time when health and care is at the front of everyone’s mind.

“I’m passionate about innovation in health and securing positive outcomes for all.”

Dr Sheffield added: “The NHSA has a unique opportunity to raise the profile and impact of our brilliant scientists, innovators, clinicians and partnering institutions.

“Together we will deliver better health, wealth and care for people in the North.”

Hans Peter Hasler, Shield Therapeutics

Shield Therapeutics has announced the appointment of Hans Peter Hasler as non-executive chairman.

Hans Peter joined Shield’s board of directors in July 2018 and has served as chairman of the nomination committee and a member of the audit committee.

Hans Peter commented: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chairman of Shield at a critical time for the group.

“Feraccru/ Accrufer is an excellent product with enormous potential and I look forward to continuing to help the group find ways of making it available to the widest possible number of patients and to translating that into value for shareholders.

“I also look forward to working with the rest of the board and the management team in these endeavours.”

Tim Watts, CEO of Shield Therapeutics, said: “I am very pleased to see Hans Peter appointed as our chairman.

“I have worked increasingly closely with Hans Peter over the last two years and value his experience and insights and the support he has given me personally.”

Gavin Bennett, Queensway

Specialist Invisalign provider, Queensway Orthodontics, has announced that Gavin Bennett has been appointed as its new managing director.

Gavin joins the business following 13 years at his previous employer where he managed a national team.

He will help lead the development and strategic direction of Queensway Orthodontics, supporting its plans to grow further sites.

Dr Guy Deeming, managing partner at Queensway Orthodontics, said: “We are incredibly pleased that in the middle of such a challenging period for business, the world and local community we can provide some stability and hope for our growing team, as well as increase access to the services and care we have had much pride creating over the last decade.

“Bringing an individual of Gavin’s calibre and experience on board at this time is an essential step to smooth and accelerate these changes to bring our mix of NHS and private care to our new sites in Consett, Bishop Auckland and Darlington.”

Gavinadded: “Joining Queensway Orthodontics as managing director is one of my greatest achievements and is the highlight of my working life.

“I have been working for 27 years and I am really excited about being here. It is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and dynamic business while working alongside a great team of people.

“Together over the coming months and years we will grow the business into a market leader in the orthodontic industry.”

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