People: Partner heads trio of new recruits for IP firm; YBS appoints CFO; Promotions at PwC; and more

A partner from the biggest firm of patent and trade mark attorneys in the UK is one of three new appointments at Leeds-based intellectual property law firm Kempner & Partners.

Tasked with protecting intellectual property rights for some of the UK’s and world’s largest organisations, Matt Sammon joins the team from Marks & Clerk, where he was head of UK trade marks.

Newly qualified solicitor Alice Chaplin and paralegal Kathryn Leake also join the specialist firm which represents organisations including ASDA, Farrow & Ball, JD Sports, Jet2.com and Regus.

Kempner & Partners grew turnover by 21% in the last 12 months with recent new client wins including Ansell, Avacta, Birds Eye & Findus, Callaway Golf, Canary Wharf Group, Endura, Pandrol and Technetix.

Sammon said: “I was attracted to Kempner & Partners because of their ever-growing list of stellar clients and straightforward approach, which is based on a desire to innovate and push to deliver a better and more rounded service, at a price that makes sense; and this matches my own ethos.

“Kempner & Partners do things differently and I am excited to become part of such a forward-thinking firm.”

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Yorkshire Building Society has announced the appointment of Alasdair Lenman as chief finance officer, subject to regulatory approval.

Lenman has 18 years’ experience in finance and has worked in financial services for the past decade, most recently as a non-executive director for Coventry Building Society, where he was audit committee chair.

He will work with senior leaders Rob Purdy (Finance), Duncan Asker (Balance Sheet Management) and Chris Parrish (Treasury) to maintain the group’s financial strength and sustainability.

Lenman will replace Robin Churchouse, who stepped down last week after 13 years at the society.

Mike Regnier, Yorkshire Building Society’s chief executive, said: “I would like to thank Robin for his huge contribution to the Society’s success over the past 13 years and to wish him well for the future.

“I am delighted to welcome Alasdair. His strong appreciation of our mutual values, together with his management skills, strategic outlook and extensive technical expertise in finance, will ensure we remain financially sustainable and continue to deliver long-term value to existing and future members.”

Lenman said: “I’m very pleased to be joining Yorkshire Building Society at such an exciting time. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Society’s focus on its core mortgages and savings markets and driving growth through the creation of sustainable value for its members.”

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PwC has made two director promotions within its Hull practice.

Victoria Coe has been promoted to director within the external assurance practice and Jonathan Lloyd has been promoted to director within compliance services accounting.

Ian Plunkett, Hull office senior partner, said: “It’s extremely pleasing to see two members of the Hull team continue to progress and take advantage of the opportunities to develop within the firm.

“We remain focussed on maintaining a diverse and inclusive practice that represents a broad range of skills, backgrounds and experience, and reflects our clients’ changing needs. These appointments will ensure that we have the capabilities and strengths across Hull and the Humber to continue to support our clients, our business and the wider economy.”

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Town Centre Securities (TCS), the leading Leeds-based property and investment development company, has added to its asset management team.

Vanessa McIntosh and Chris Collins are the latest hires at TCS, who have joined the business this month taking up positions as asset managers within the rapidly expanding team.

The new appointments will be working alongside Helen Green and Alistair Smith, associate directors at TCS and responsible for completing the development and renovation of assets across the TCS portfolio.

To further add to the expertise of the team TCS is also currently being advised by investment consultant Matthew Coates who will assist in increasing its London portfolio, a key area for the firm’s future growth plans.

Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of Town Centre Securities, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vanessa and Chris to the team here at TCS.  The last 12 months have been a great success for the business, seeing the development of the Merrion Centre and our purchase of key assets on Vicar Lane in Leeds. Their experience and passion for Leeds will be an additional asset as we push to continue our growth.”