This week's North East appointments

Krishna Muthurangu, Turps Film

Turps Film, an independent video production company based in the North East has announced the appointment of Krishna Muthurangu as its new director of photography.

Turps Film’s creative director, Luke Holland, commented: “I had worked with Krishna on a number of projects when he operated freelance, including the #BeAGameChanger video for NGI Solutions & Newcastle United, so was well aware of his wealth of experience and what he can add to a video project.

“When the decision was made to appoint a director of photography at Turps Film, he was my first choice to fill the role, so we’re delighted he has come on board and joined us at a really exciting time for the business.”

Paul Rippon, GBB

GBB has announced the appointment of Paul Rippon as non-executive director. Board, ensuring it’s effective, entrepreneurial and transparent.

Paul’s experience spans 28 years and roles at eight banks and building societies in the UK and Ireland, including risk director, head of banking and deputy chief executive.

He has worked in PLC, mutual, nationalised, private, charity and venture capital funded institutions. Paul has also served on several boards and sub-committees.

Paul commented: “Six months ago I stepped down from Monzo in order to dedicate more time to enjoying life.

“While I needed time to recharge, I said I intended to come back to banking.

“Around 200 opportunities came my way which was very flattering and I wanted something that would span business, banking and provide a way to help others from more humble beginnings like me.

“Following meetings with the team, I saw and liked the business model which allows GBB to build new homes and businesses and deliver safe and fair savings in a modern and sustainable way.

“The combination of leading edge technology and relationship managers on the ground to provide support to customers is what property developers are in desperate need of.

“So, in short, the combination of the team and proposition meant that when I was offered the non-executive chair role by GBB, I was humbled and delighted!

“The plan is now to bring my entrepreneurial expertise, storytelling and coaching abilities to bear as we secure the banking licence and build out the bank.”

Steve Deutsch, GBB’s CEO, added: “This is a huge coup for GBB and indeed the North East where we are based.

“Paul’s expertise is second to none and comes at a critical time as we fundraise and move, upon receipt of our licence, to being fully operational.

“Paul joining us at this point in time is testament to the strength of the offer and wider management team and we’re thrilled to be working with him.”

Matthew Bryson, Unwritten Group

Newcastle-based integrated communications agency Unwritten Group has welcomed Matthew Bryson to the team as technical lead.

With over a decade of experience in web development, Matthew has held a wide range of roles from working as part of analytics and CRO testing teams, to more dedicated development roles building websites and tools, while managing client projects and teams of developers.

As technical lead, Matthew will be leading Unwritten’s digital team, producing digital solutions for the agency’s range of clients, as well as helping develop the other members of the team.

Matthew commented: “After working with Unwritten as a contractor for several months, I got a real insight into how the company operates, the clients they work with and how well they look after them.

“I also had the chance to work with the Unwritten team closely and it was clear to me that this was going to be a great company to work for.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started and developing the growing digital team further.”

Lisa Eaton, managing director of Unwritten Group, added: “We have been recruiting for a strong technical lead since the early part of the year and we’re delighted to welcome Matthew into the role.

“His experience and leadership will be instrumental in cultivating the digital department.”

Matt Sims, durhamlane

Demand and lead generation services partner, durhamlane, have appointed Matt Sims, former CEO for the UK and South Africa at Teleperformance, as a non-executive director.

Matt has over 25 years of experience in the outsourcing industry, having held executive management positions Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Contact Centre organisations including Sitel and Sykes.

Matt commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with both Lee and Richard in such a dynamic and entrepreneurial business.

“The professional services that durhamlane provide to their customers offer true strategic business value, and I am excited to have the opportunity to help them on their business journey.”

Lee Durham, co-founder and chief revenue officer of durhamlane, said: “We’re very excited to have Matt on board.

“The results he’s achieved in his career speak for themselves and we’re really looking forward to working with him to help durhamlane continue to grow.”

Richard Lane, co-founder and CEO of durhamlane, added: “We’re always looking for new ways to provide sales leadership and innovation for our clients, and Matt is the perfect addition to the durhamlane team to help us achieve this.”

Garry Lewis and Mark Hobbs, px Group

px Group, an energy and infrastructure solutions business, has announced two new additions to its senior leadership team.

Garry Lewis joins px Group as chief strategy officer, and Mark Hobbs joins as managing director of offshore oil & gas.

Garry will lead px Group’s business development team and will have responsibility for driving organic growth across the entire business in the UK and internationally, as well as exploring potential acquisitions.

One of Mark’s main focuses will be delivering growth for px Group in the upstream oil and gas sector and using his knowledge of managing mature North Sea assets to scale up px Group’s activity in that area.

Geoff Holmes, CEO of px Group, commented: “We are an ambitious business and I believe that is reflected by the appointments of both Garry and Mark - two respected industry names.

“px Group is known in the energy industry for its personal, dedicated approach - we treat our clients as colleagues.

“Garry and Mark have shown that same approach throughout their careers and that is one of the key reasons we have brought them on board.”

Garry said: “Putting our clients first is at the heart of our culture and I’m looking forward to using that to help grow the business in the UK and, in time, internationally.

“I am particularly looking forward to helping px Group - and the wider industry - progress to net zero carbon emissions.

“This is an area in which we want to be industry leading - px Group is already part of the Humberside net-zero cluster and we are exploring more ‘green’ avenues.”

Mark added: “I’m joining px Group at a really exciting time as it continues growing in the upstream.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the existing senior leadership team and using my experience to refine and build out our upstream offering.

“One of px Group’s core philosophies is treating the assets it manages as its own - an approach that some may say is rare in offshore energy. That will now change.”

Andrew Houghton, Mitchells Grievson Chartered Accountants

Bishop Auckland based Chartered Accountants, Mitchells Grievson, has announced the return of Andrew Houghton in the role of business development manager.

Andrew is a fellow member of The Association of Accounting Technicians, a former director, and one of the original founders of Mitchells Grievson.

With 36 years of accountancy experience, he has extensive experience across all areas of professional practice.

Andrew commented: “I am delighted to return to the firm I helped establish in my original role as business development manager.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am sure that I will enjoy the challenges that my new role will bring.

“I’m looking forward to working with our dynamic team once again, growing the client base of our practice and making sure that all our clients are able to access every possible form of help and assistance.”

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