People on the Move: IRIS Software; Aaron & Partners; Pierce Chartered Accountants; Suresite Group

Elona Mortimer-Zhika

Manchester-based IRIS Software Group has announced the appointment of Elona Mortimer-Zhika to the position of chief executive, effective from September 1.

Elona is the first female chief executive for IRIS and succeeds Kevin Dady who has been promoted to the role of executive chairman.

Elona joined IRIS in 2016 as chief financial officer and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2018, responsible for a wide range of functions including all revenue generation, as well as customer service, IT, facilities, group transformation, M&A integration, legal and HR.

During her time at IRIS, the business has doubled in size, acquired 12 companies and was successfully sold for £1.3bn in 2018, making it the UK’s largest privately-owned software company.

Current CEO Kevin Dady said: “Elona’s exceptional leadership qualities have been instrumental in her roles as CFO and COO.

“Her humility, extraordinary track record of success, and exceptional business acumen make her an outstanding leader and one I am proud to work with.”

Kevin Dady will be an active member of the IRIS board, and as executive chairman will lead the increasing focus on acquisition and corporate development, while also continuing his executive sponsorship of the company’s exciting next generation of products and services, which are due to be launched this year and beyond.

Elona said: “It’s an honour and privilege to head the business I love and admire, surrounded by a talented executive team and supported by a great leader and mentor in Kev Dady as the executive chairman.

“This is an exciting time to take the helm of this business; we have been growing strongly and I will continue to execute a solid and well considered strategy to exceed our growth targets.

“I am proud to lead a gifted group of individuals who will ensure we place the customer at the heart of everything we do.”

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Legal practice Aaron & Partners has strengthened two of its teams with the recruitment of two solicitors to join its Chester office.

Victoria Syvret joins the firm’s family team as a senior associate, while solicitor Jennifer Harrison has moved to Aaron & Partners to boost the firm’s corporate and commercial team.

With more than 12 years’ experience working in family law at firms on the Wirral, Victoria specialises in managing the resolution of relationship disputes such as separation issues and divorce proceedings. She is also a Resolution-trained family mediator, with accreditation to conduct child inclusive mediation.

“I’m delighted to join Aaron & Partners and to be part of this highly-respected team,” said Victoria.

“I will be very focused on supporting clients through what can be a highly emotional and stressful time.

Victoria Syvret and Jennifer Harrison

“I’m excited to be bringing a different area of knowledge with my background in mediation, which will further expand the firm’s offering and enable us to help even more clients.”

Aaron & Partners has also welcomed Jennifer Harrison, who joins the corporate and commercial team in Chester.

Jennifer will be supporting the experienced team, undertaking a variety of work including company sales and acquisitions, and advising on commercial agreements and handling issues in relation to business partnerships.

Jennifer has particular experience in relation to the merger of GP practices.

Aaron & Partners has seen impressive growth in both its Chester and Shrewsbury offices with a number of new recruits joining in 2019, taking the total staff count to more than 140.

Senior partner, Nick Clarke, said: “I’m delighted to welcome both Victoria and Jennifer to our team in Chester. We are continuing to experience growth across all our teams and Victoria and Jennifer will help support that.”

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Pierce Chartered Accountants has appointed former banker Simon Raine as an advisor to its board of directors.

Simon joins the Blackburn-based firm to strengthen the board and will use his 35 years’ experience in finance to help develop relationships with both new and existing clients.

Prior to joining Pierce, Simon was a member of the northern management team for Swedish bank Handelsbanken, where he oversaw 12 North West branches.

He said: “I’ve worked with Pierce for many years in my previous role and I’ve always been a strong advocate of the firm. They have such strong values, great local connections and a hard-working, intelligent team – which is a powerful combination.

“I’m looking forward to getting started in my new role and I am keen to build relationships with current clients as well as introducing new clients, to drive the firm to the next level.”

Simon Raine

Director Tom Wilkinson said: “Simon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the firm and it is great to welcome him to our team.

“His banking-related background will support our delivery of client funding requirements and assist greatly with banking matters.”

Simon is also a board advisor at BBS Law, Bridge Insurance Brokers and Together Money, a director at FRP Advisory and a non-executive director at the Jockey Club, Haydock Park Racecourse.

Pierce has around 65 employees providing audit and accountancy compliance services, as well as a range of additional value-added services such as corporate finance, forensic, research & development, corporate and personal taxation.

The firm also provides management and outsourcing services including firm secretarial, online services and payroll.

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Rob Davies has joined Suresite Group as chief technology officer.

With more than 15 years’ experience, he was previously an IT solutions architect with Bestway Retail.

In his new role Rob will lead Suresite Group’s IT team and ensure that the company’s technology aligns with its business strategy.

He said: “Suresite is very much a technology company with growth ambition.

Rob Davies

“As CTO, my main challenge is to continually consider both the small and big picture with regards to the business technology and how it is being used.

“This requires making decisions that are both functional from a short-term perspective, and are also sound long-term solutions that will allow the business to scale.”

He added: “As an employer, Suresite Group really stood out for me because of its core business values and the importance it places on its people and customers.”

Nick Healy, Suresite Group chief executive, said: “Rob is a key recruit and his experience of working within major retail companies is invaluable.

“He is both a problem solver and a people developer and is an excellent fit for our company.”

Suresite Group is a Preston-based retail services company, with an offer that includes payment card processing, online training and health & safety.

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