People: Leadership management team appointed at chambers; Listed biotech firm welcomes non-exec director; Innovation hub bolsters team; and more

Leeds-based Zenith Chambers has appointed its first leadership management team, relinquishing the need for a CEO and embracing the individual talent of the members of the new structure.

The new team eliminates the long-standing ‘silos’ that have previously existed in chambers structures and provides an environment for accelerated decision making and operational efficiency within the new team’s business model.

The new team comprises Rebecca Hartley, Senior Family Clerk; Stephanie Hunt, Senior Criminal Clerk; Paul McNab, Senior Civil Clerk; Debra Hinde, Head of Business Development and barrister members; ​ Bronia Hartley, Tom Tyson and Elliot Kay. John Boumphrey joins the team as Deputy Head of Chambers alongside David Bradshaw, Head of Chambers. The new structure brings together, in a single leadership team, a group of individuals highly experienced and skilled in strategic development, financial and HR management and regulatory compliance.

David Bradshaw, Head of Chambers, said “The new structure enables Zenith to continue driving performance improvements in a more effective and efficient way, placing responsibility for the strategic direction and operation of chambers directly into the right hands. This is a huge change for Zenith and I’m delighted to work with such a talented and driven team”.

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Biotech firm Benchmark Holdings has announced the appointment of Kristian Eikre as Non-Executive Director.

Eikre has more than 13 years experience as an investment professional with a particular focus on the aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, energy and renewables sectors.

He is currently an Investment Professional and Co-Head of Ferd Capital, a division of Ferd AS, a Norwegian investment company holding 26% of Benchmark’s issued share capital.

Prior to that, Eikre was a Partner at Norwegian private equity firm Herkules Capital. He has held various board positions and is currently a Board Director of a number of companies including Fjord Line AS, a Scandinavian cruise and ferry operator, and at Unicus Group AS, a Scandinavian IT-consulting firm.

Peter George, Benchmark Holdings’ Chairman, said: “I am delighted to welcome Kristian Eikre to our Board. He brings demonstrable commercial and industry expertise and we look forward to him contributing to the success of Benchmark as we continue to drive profitable growth across the organisation.”

Eikre added: “I am delighted to join Benchmark at such an exciting time in its development, as it takes advantage of its organic growth potential following a period of significant acquisitive and capital investment.

“Our approach is to support value creation by working in partnership with founders, management and other owners and I therefore look forward to being part of the Benchmark team to deliver our shared aspirations for profitable growth.”

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Nexus, the University of Leeds’ new innovation hub, has bolstered its team with the appointment of an Engagement Manager for Talent and Skills, ahead of its official opening in May.

Jo Howorth will be responsible for connecting businesses with skills, talent and education opportunities within the University.

Howarth said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Nexus team in a role which will allow me to draw on my past experience with start-ups and SMEs, helping to provide the skills and talent needed for businesses to develop and grow. I’m looking forward to working closely alongside the Nexus team to gain a deep understanding of our member’s needs, ensuring that they have seamless access to the wealth of opportunities on offer here at the University.”

Howarth has spent the past 14 years working in numerous corporate and professional development roles at the University of Leeds.  Dedicated to finding innovative ways to help industry and talent, she has worked with hundreds of Yorkshire start-ups and SMEs to source talent for exclusive projects and also managed strategic partnerships for clients including Arup and Marks & Spencer. She also helped establish a leadership network of over 90 chief executives, partners, managing directors and entrepreneurs to support and challenge management students in their professional development and set up the first Career Management Centre at Leeds University Business School.

Dr Martin Stow, Nexus Director said: “The ideology of Nexus is centred around collaboration. We seek to help organisations bring their ideas to life and create real business opportunities.

“Jo will be a remarkable asset to the team and her ability to foster relationships between business partners and the University will be invaluable. She has a wealth of experience and her in-depth knowledge of the University’s expertise, thanks to her previous roles, means she is ideally placed for the job. I look forward to working closely with Jo and building on the unique community we have created here at Nexus.”