People: Private client specialist joins to boost law firm’s Birmingham office; Jaguar Land Rover design director announces departure; and more

A growing law firm has announced the appointment of a new associate into its Birmingham-based private client team.

Melinda Rice has joined mfg Solicitors at its offices in the city’s St Paul’s Square, advising clients on everything from administration of estates, to lasting powers of attorney, wills and estate planning.

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Rice has lived in the UK since 1997 and has 13 years’ experience in the legal profession.

She said: “I am delighted to be joining mfg Solicitors and I’ve been hugely impressed by the services they offer.

“There is a big opportunity here for me to learn from the many experienced lawyers across the firm and to share my own skills and knowledge to ensure we grow further. It’s a really exciting time to be part of mfg.”

Valerie Robinson, partner and head of mfg’s private client department said: “As well as an impressive track record of representing her clients, Melinda brings a great deal of enthusiasm and passion to the firm.

“We are very pleased to welcome her to mfg, particularly at a time of expansion into the growing Birmingham legal market.”

Her appointment comes as mfg prepares to mark the first anniversary this summer of its merger with historic Birmingham law firm, Pearson Rowe.

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Jaguar has announced that Ian Callum, director of design, is to leave his position at the company after two decades heading up the division.

Julian Thomson, currently creative design director, will take over the role on July 1.

Callum said: “I have had an incredible career at Jaguar. One of my biggest highlights was creating XF because it represented the beginning of a new era moving Jaguar from tradition to contemporary design – it was a significant turning point in our story. Designing the F-TYPE was a dream come true for me, and I-PACE was an opportunity to create something hugely innovative that would really challenge the perception of Jaguar – and its success is testament to just how far the brand has come.

“I came into this role with a mission to take Jaguar design back to where it deserved to be. It has taken 20 years, but I believe I have achieved what I set out to do. Given the strength of both our products and the design team I feel that now is the right time to move on, both personally and professionally, and explore other design projects. Designing Jaguar cars was a lifelong dream for me and I’m delighted to remain involved as a consultant for the brand. I have worked closely with Julian Thomson for 18 years – he is a hugely talented designer and absolutely the right person to lead Jaguar design into its next chapter.”

Callum spent the first 12 years of his career at Ford Design Studios, moving on to become chief designer of TWR Design, where he was responsible for the Aston Martin DB7, Vanquish and DB9.
Prof. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said: “The contribution Ian Callum has made to Jaguar’s industry-leading design reputation cannot be over-stated.

“Ian stands for the most forward-thinking, rule-breaking and emotive approach to automotive design. He has created a new Jaguar design language – and his passion for Jaguar has seen the range completely transformed during his 20 years in charge.

“Both personally, and on behalf of everyone at Jaguar, I would like to thank Ian for all he has done, and I am delighted he has committed to continue to be Jaguar’s brand ambassador as a design consultant.”

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Tribera, a digital content agency based in Birmingham, has recruited five specialists to join its team.

Luke Addis, founder of Birmingham Updates, has joined as social director.

Dani Osadicw has joined as creative director. She has 20 years of experience working with brands including Costa Coffee, Timberland and Adidas and she will be growing Tribera’s creative division.

Meanwhile David Bailey has been recruited as client development and due to significant growth in the content team, Sheridan Okey has joined as senior content manager. Supporting her is content assistant Rebecca Halsey.

Michelle Ivins, managing partner at Tribera, said: “Luke is a leader in his field and having him join Tribera is a real coup for us, especially as he is so well known in the Midlands for his work.

“Since we launched, business has been booming and we have exciting clients already on our roster where we are demonstrating the power of bringing a fresh approach to digital content.

“Five new specialists have strengthened our team in a matter of months and we are now on the lookout for more of the brightest minds in content, PR and digital who want to join us in disrupting the market.”