This week's North East appointments

Kate Grant and Nelson Carr, Adderstone Group

Investor and developer Adderstone Group has appointed Kate Grant as director of estates and Nelson Carr as development and investment manager.

Both Kate and Nelson were formerly at property specialist intu, with Kate in the role of property director and Nelson as development manager.

Kate will take overall responsibility for the management of Adderstone Group’s growing commercial property portfolio, while Nelson will be responsible for commercial deal origination and maximising development opportunities within the portfolio.

Commenting on her appointment, Kate said: “Adderstone Group is a highly entrepreneurial and well-regarded business with a strong track record of investing in, developing and managing a diverse portfolio. I look forward to joining the team for the next stage of the journey.”

Paul Kaiser, Samuel Knight International

Global manpower provider, Samuel Knight International, has appointed Paul Kaiser as its new chairman.

Former UNW corporate finance partner and North East Insider Deal Maker Paul brings over 30 years of experience having advised on mergers and acquisitions, disposals and private equity sponsored transactions.

Within the manpower services sector, Pauladvised on the sales of Nigel Wright to Baird Capital and The Frank Group to Living Bridge. He has a track record of supporting businesses in building shareholder value.

Prior to joining UNW, Paul was an associate partner at Deloitte, working nationally. He also established and led the Deloitte advisory team in the North East for a number of years.

Paul commented: “Samuel Knight International is developing a strong reputation in its chosen markets. As an adviser I have worked with the business in the past, and believe I can add to the successes achieved by CEO, Steven Rawlingson and CFO, Carl Moffett, whom I have known for many years.

“It is a progressive company and has created an impressive board comprised of key industry figures, which will enhance its focus and support its ambitious growth plans.

“Working with the other board members, I will be utilising my experience to contribute to shareholder value and to help build on the brand and develop its network.”

Steven Rawlingson, founder and CEO of Samuel Knight International, added: “Paul’s arrival comes at a time of acceleration for the business. This is a significant appointment for us because Paul brings with him specific industry expertise having successfully advised a number of recruitment firms, including Nigel Frank, with a substantial institutional fundraise.

“As a growing business, we have the expertise and understanding of shareholder value and capital markets on our board and Paul is supportive of our future growth plans. Working alongside our CFO, Carl Moffett, his advice will be invaluable.

“Paul is a well-respected figure within the North East and as we develop our brand this will also build our exposure to institutional directors and will help introduce us to funding investors. We are an ambitious company and our new board appointment signals that we have no plans to slow down.”

Joanne Leng MBE, NOF

Business development organisation NOF has appointed Joanne Leng MBE as chief executive.

Joanne, who is currently deputy chief executive of the Durham-based organisation, will succeed George Rafferty, who has led NOF for 16 years.

Joanne has worked for NOF for 25 years, graduating from the University of Sunderland and immediately joining the organisation in 1996 as export & marketing advisor.

Joanne is well travelled and has led over 80 trade delegations overseas, bringing new global business to NOF members. She was awarded an MBE in the Queens New Year’s Honours in 2011 for her contribution to the oil & gas industry.

Andrew Mills, chairman of NOF, commented: “The board was unanimous in its decision that Joanne is the ideal candidate for NOF chief executive, and I am delighted she will take on the role.

“When George informed the board in October last year of his intention to step back from the chief executive role, we were keen to focus on succession and maintain continuity within the organisation.

“Joanne’s expertise and well-established relationships within the industry and with key stakeholders will ensure that NOF maintains its high quality of support to members with their business development activities as part of the energy transition.

Joanne Leng MBE added: “I am incredibly proud to be chosen by the board to become chief executive, to lead the organisation and take the business forward working with a dedicated team.

“NOF has become a highly collaborative and proactive organisation with a strong, supportive and loyal network of members and partners, which are dedicated to innovation and sustainability within the energy sector. Keeping members at the heart of everything we do at NOF will remain priority for me going forward.

“I am pleased that George will continue to be part of NOF as his input will be invaluable going forward and I want to thank him on behalf of our team and our members for his service as chief executive.”

Charles Orpwood, Lycetts

Insurance broker Lycetts has appointed Charles Orpwood as rural account executive.

Experienced farm manager Charles, who has a degree in Rural Land Management from the Royal Agricultural College (RAU), will be advising Lycetts’ Northern clients on rural insurance matters, including estates, farm and household.

Before joining Lycetts, Charles worked as a letting manager at London-based estate agent Dexters, where he gained ARLA letting and property management qualifications.

Two years ago, Charles returned to his family’s sheep, beef and arable enterprise in Northumberland, where he further honed his skills in rural management.

Charles commented: “Lycetts and its people have a deep connection with the countryside through the services it provides and its support of rural events and awards, which resonated with me, given my agricultural background.

“With the number of farms and estates diversifying ever-increasing, driven by new technology, communication and a change in demographic, farming now involves a more diverse group of people and business opportunities, so managing risk and filling gaps in knowledge is imperative.

“Having grown up on a farm and handled the daily operations of a significant enterprise for a number of years now, I have gained great insight and first-hand experience of the challenges farmers face, holding me in good stead to provide the expertise to advise on the most appropriate actions and insurance options.”

Neil McGuire, director at Lycetts, added: “With Charles’ experience and understanding of the agricultural industry, we are confident that he will be an asset to the Lycetts rural division and help us to deliver on our core objective to provide the highest standard of professional and personable service.”

Mike Kirsopp and Vicky Griffiths, GBB

Challenger bank GBB has appointed Mike Kirsopp and Vicky Griffiths as non-executive directors.

Mike has over 40 years of experience in SME lending. He recently announced his retirement from Cambridge & Counties Bank Ltd where he was Chief Executive Officer since 2014. He was part of the team recruited to mobilise the bank and gain its full banking licence.

Prior to this, Mike ran his own consultancy business, Mike Kirsopp Associates, and had a long career at Lloyds TSB as a strategy and change director and mid-corporate real estate director. Mike attended the Harvard Business School and the University of Bristol. His appointment to the Board of GBB will be his first non-executive position.

Vicky is currently non-executive director at RM plc and she sits on several other audit, remuneration and nomination committees. She trained at Bain and Company and was responsible for operational and business risk at Brevan Howard Asset Management.

Vicky is now a partner at executive search firm Independent Search Partnership, as well as senior independent director of the British Olympic Foundation, deputy chair of Bellevue Place Education Trust and she sits on the Main Committee of the MCC at Lords.

Paul Rippon, GBB’s non-executive chairman, commented: “I am delighted to have been able to attract two independent non-executive directors of Mike and Vicky’s quality. Property and people skills is what we were looking for and absolutely what we found in these two.

“They join the board of GBB at a crucial moment as we move at pace with our plans to launch later this year and to start levelling up the UK by supporting regional property developers.”

Alasdair Kerr, Port of Blyth

The Port of Blyth has appointed Alasdair Kerr as head of commercial.

With a track record in business development and customer service as well as experience of the North East’s port sector, Alasdair will lead the Northumberland port’s growth plans.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive of Port of Blyth, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome a person of Alasdair’s calibre to the port and are looking forward to him playing a key role in the next stage of our development.”

On his appointment, Alasdair added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the port and taking a lead on commercial matters at such an exciting time.

“There are so many positive developments taking place across a range of sectors around the estuary and I can’t wait to get started with the team and make my mark.”

James Ramsbotham, Newcastle Building Society

Newcastle Building Society has appointed James Ramsbotham as its new chair.

The society’s current chair, Phil Moorhouse, has announced that he is to stand down, after almost 10 years in the role.

In addition to being chair of the society, Phil is also chair of its technology subsidiary Newcastle Strategic Solutions Ltd, which specialises in savings technology and service management.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive of Newcastle Building Society, said: “We are extremely grateful for Phil’s contribution to the society’s progress during his time as chair. He has provided a rich depth of experience and clear and calm leadership to the board.

“The society has continued to thrive and grow during Phil’s tenure, despite many external challenges, and he will leave it in a great position to continue to move forward.”

Following a thorough recruitment process to secure a successor to follow Phil, Newcastle Building Society confirmed that James Ramsbotham, chief executive at the North East of England Chamber of Commerce, has been selected as the new society chair.

Andrew added: “We are delighted that James will be joining us. He brings extensive knowledge of business throughout our region, together with a clear focus on both customers and communities and we very much look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

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