People: Gateley launches tech and media division and makes trio of hires; Clarion boosts corporate team; and more

The Leeds office of Gateley has launched a Commerce, Technology & Media (CTM) offering with the appointment of CTM partner Rob Lucas.

Lucas joins Gateley after almost 10 years at Shulmans as a partner and head of intellectual property (IP).

He specialises in the full range of IP rights, including patents, trade marks, copyright and design rights. Lucas has a particular specialism in acting for packaging, fragrance, cosmetic and retail businesses, as well as being well known for acting for international clients, from Brazil and the USA to Europe.

The firm has also boosted its its property departments with two hires to the residential development and real estate teams.

The residential development team has appointed associate Richard Gillatt, who joins from Atherton Godfrey,while the real estate department has welcomed solicitor Amy Venson from Wosskow Brown Solicitors in Sheffield.

The appointments follow on from the Leeds office announcing a new head in May this year, with commercial dispute resolution partner Andrew Johnson taking over from restructuring partner William Ballmann, who is reducing his commitments ahead of retirement in 2020.

Johnson said: “It’s fantastic to welcome three new appointments in my first few months as head of the Leeds office. Rob’s appointment and the launch of a CTM offering continues our ambitious growth in Yorkshire since opening the Leeds office in 2012, as we continue to build on the success we’ve had in the past six years.

“Rob brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of IP, and I welcome him, Richard and Amy to the team. They will all be a great asset to our firm as we continue to advise clients throughout Yorkshire and beyond.”

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Clarion has expanded its corporate practice with the appointment of Hitesh Tailor as legal director.

Tailor joins from the Leeds office of DLA Piper where he spent 12 years advising blue chip companies on a number of high profile transactions.

He has experience providing advice on a wide range of corporate matters including domestic and international mergers and acquisitions (share deals, business deals and auctions), private equity transactions, joint ventures, shareholder arrangements and group reorganisations.  He also advises companies on a variety of corporate governance issues.

Tailor has worked across a number of sectors and has particular knowledge of digital media, retail, packaging and hospitality and leisure.

Richard Moran, senior partner and head of Clarion’s corporate team, said: “Hitesh is a great lawyer who will further boost the size and experience of the Clarion corporate team.  With our strong reputation for getting deals done, we’ve benefitted from the buoyant environment for mergers and acquisitions and have been particularly busy in 2018 – we were the most active deals adviser in Yorkshire in Q1 according to Experian MarketIQ and Hitesh’s appointment will help ensure that we continue to deliver for our clients.

“Hitesh brings a wealth of experience in private equity as well as M&A, and we’re pleased that he sees his future with Clarion.”

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Three recruits have joined the ranks at Doncaster Racecourse.

Dave Grant, Emma Rouse and John Russo have been appointed to posts in finance, marketing and operations, strengthening the venue’s team of 70.

Grant joins the Racecourse as financial controller, bringing more than 22-years of experience to the role having worked at accountancy firm Hawsons and in accountancy positions with companies including Cooplands, Doncaster Rovers FC and Partners in Costs in recent years.

Rouse has been hired as head of marketing. She has worked in a variety of senior marketing positions during her career, including Nottinghamshire Police, the National Citizen Service and, most recently, as head of marketing and communications for the University of Lincoln Students’ Union.

The racecourse has also recruited Russo as director of operations, with over 25 years’ experience in food service covering all areas of the industry from production and procurement to both front and back of house.

He joins Doncaster Racecourse after spending five years with Manchester City FC.

Tim Banfield, executive director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Dave, Emma and John to our team.

“All three bring an impressive range of experience and expertise to their new roles and I’m confident their skillsets will help us move forward with our ambitious plans for the future.”