People: Shoosmiths makes director hire; ABP CEO to step down; and more

Shoosmiths has recruited Gaius Powell as business development director.

Powell, who will be based at the firm’s Leeds office, brings 20 years’ experience as a marketing professional in the legal industry with previous roles at Nabarro, DLA Piper and Pinsent Masons.

For the last two years, he ran his own professional services consultancy specialising in business development advice and support across the sector.

His new position with Shoosmiths is his third senior legal business development role and sees him heading up the firm’s national business development and marketing division.

Shoosmiths announced its expansion into Leeds in 2016 and is set to move into Bruntwood’s landmark Platform redevelopment at Leeds station.

Paul Stokey, Shoosmiths’ head of office in Leeds, says: ‘”t’s great to welcome Gaius to the Leeds office as we continue to grow our team in the North of England.

“He will be instrumental in the implementation of our national growth strategy of taking a larger share of the domestic market. His extensive experience in the legal industry will be a real asset to the firm.”

Shoosmiths Leeds recently announced the appointment of corporate partners Philip Goldsborough and James Foster as it continues to expand its team and build on Shoosmiths’ existing offering in the North.

:::

James Cooper, the chief executive of port operator ABP, is to step down.

Cooper became chief executive and executive director in 2013. He has served as the chairman of the UK Major Ports Group since November 2015.

The company said it will now look to appoint a successor, which is expected to take place in 2018.

ABP chairman Dr Philip Nolan said: “I would like to pay tribute to James’ leadership and vision for ABP. He has overseen a transformation in the business, ensuring ABP is well placed to meet the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities presented in the future.”

Cooper said: “After 10 years in the business I felt the time was right to begin discussions about my succession.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the great team at ABP and welcoming my successor when they are appointed next year.”

ABP’s ports include Immingham and Southampton.

:::

Gerard Peters

BemroseBooth Paragon (BBP), the supplier of tickets, cards and RFID applications, has appointed Gerard Peters as technical sales executive.

Having worked as a sales manager to provide RFID applications to customers across a range of sectors, Peters was responsible for deploying 300 security and stock loss solution systems to Iceland Foods stores throughout the country.

He said: “Joining a company that is developing and rapidly growing is really exciting. Bringing my experience to BBP means that I can work with the team to identify new markets and to work with customers to showcase the real benefits that RFID and near field communications (NFC) can deliver.

“I honestly believe that NFC taps will out-number google searches as consumers become increasingly reliant on technologies and smart applications. I look forward to being a part of that journey here at BBP.”

Technical sales director for BBP Tech, John Wise, said: “We are pleased to welcome Gerard to the team and look forward to working with our clients to develop further applications that will change the way they communicate, interact and develop longer-term loyalty from their customers. We have a strong and capable team and are very much looking forward to being a part of this journey.”

:::

East Yorkshire-based Bluestorm Design & Marketing has promoted company accountant Leanne Wray to financial director.

She joined Bluestorm in 2005. She previously spent nine years in practice employed by local business consultant Melvyn Sadofsky.

Andrew Cawley, managing director at Bluestorm, said: “Leanne heads up our accounts team and has driven Bluestorm’s financial growth over the years. We are delighted to welcome her onto the board of directors. Not only will she continue to efficiently manage our day-to-day finances, but she will also play an important role in steering the business and ensuring we hit our budgets and targets.”