People: Ex-ebay exec appointed by logistics specialist; Langleys boosts family law unit; Senior hire for football club’s off-the-field team; and more

International logistics specialist Advanced Supply Chain Group (ASCG) has appointed Derrick Houghton as operations director, bolstering the group’s senior management team.

Bradford-headquartered ASCG was founded in 1997 by Mike Danby, CEO, and Glyn Rogan, CFO.

Starting out as a provider of garment processing and logistics services, the business has built on its retail expertise and now has customers including Urban Outfitters, DFS and Jaguar Land Rover.

With more than 25 years’ experience as a senior manager, Houghton joins the group from eBay where he held the position of European head of operations.

A logistics and eCommerce expert, Houghton has a track record of developing production, warehouse and distribution operations having worked with over 40 household names including Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Boohoo.

He said: “The demand for technology and innovation is continuing to grow at pace. All retailers need to have a multi-channel strategy and ASCG have the technology and talent to support businesses with their strategic growth no matter where they are on this journey.

“The opportunity to join the business during this period of growth is a rare one and I’m excited to play my role in shaping the progress. A firm focus on building strong infrastructure alongside ongoing development and recruitment of the team will shape my role.”

This appointment follows the hire of Sandy Hunter as finance director as the business continues to invest in the sector’s top talent.

Danby said: “In a multi-channel business like ASCG, it is crucial that the senior team is robust in every direction. With the recent addition of Derrick, we are looking stronger than ever. His track record speaks for itself and as we continue to set new standards, we are confident that the grounding of our team will provide solid foundations for our expansion plans.”

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York-based Langleys Solicitors has strengthened its family law unit with the appointment of Siobhan Newton.

Newton is a newly-qualified solicitor and joins the unit from Harrowells. She will focus on family law including divorce, the financial aspects of separation and children matters.

In addition, the family law unit has promoted Natalie Wiles to senior paralegal while Leigh Hannam has joined as a paralegal.

Mark Day, partner in family law and head of Langleys’ private law division, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Siobhan at the same time as our family unit receives the highest recognition in the new edition of Chambers UK.

“The top ranking demonstrates the strength and breadth of the advice and services we provide to clients which includes offering genuine specialism in traditional representation, litigation, mediation and collaborative law matters.”

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The senior management team at Sheffield United Football Club has appointed Simon Ratcliffe as chief  financial officer. It is the second recent appointment to the off-the-field team, with Andrew Birks appointed as chief operations officer.

Ratcliffe’s arrival at Bramall Lane provides the club with strategic strength in its finance function and is a key part of the club’s proactive response to Championship football and beyond.

Born and raised in Nottingham, Ratcliffe has spent most of his career in business. He started in the pharmaceuticals sector and within four years had risen to financial director with Aventis Pharma, working in Amsterdam, Paris and Singapore.

He remained in the sector for 18 years before joining Applied Language Solutions, where he was instrumental in driving the business forward before joining Purple Wifi where he was involved in the restructuring of the business. Most recently he was with South Yorkshire-based multi-channel support business, Parseq.

Ratcliffe lives in Sheffield and has a keen interest in sport. He said: “I am delighted to have joined such a long-established and high-profile sporting brand.”

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Harrogate-based marketing agency Extreme Creations has welcomed five recruits.

Joe Hryszko, Michael Van Rooyen, Simon Rabjohns, Mel Hill and Laura Wardropper will take up a variety roles across Extreme’s digital marketing portfolio.

This growth in personnel is a result of a steady growth in demand for Extreme’s services from a number of new clients. Harrogate restaurant Norse has chosen Extreme to enhance its online presence, including social media consultancy and digital strategy. The Nordic-style restaurant recently moved to its own premises after a successful crowdfunding initiative, relocating from its first home as part of Baltzersens.

A further account win is Ripon-based premium audio provider BishopSound.

The business, headed by founder Andrew Bishop – previous owner of Carlsbro Sound – has selected Extreme to deliver a complete rebrand.

Antony Prince, MD of Extreme Creations, said: “As a proud Harrogate agency, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with excellent, local businesses like Norse as well as brands like Bishop Sound.

“The new additions to our team help us maintain the high standards we set ourselves.”