People: Five senior appointments for construction firm; chief executive steps down; and digital entrepreneur takes on non-executive role

HULL construction firm Hobson & Porter has appointed five new members to their senior team.

Mike Beal has been promoted to become the new construction director, having previously been construction manager, while Duncan Wilson, senior contracts manager, and Chris Elvidge managing quantity surveyor have taken on more senior positions.

Joe Booth has joined the business as strategic development manager, coordinating the business development and marketing functions of the business to deliver a long-term pipeline in both Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. He has previously worked for British Steel, The Spencer Group and The Shepherd Group in York.

Managing director Richard Hunter said: “2016 has been an excellent year for Hobson & Porter in terms of contract wins and successful project deliveries. Moving forward, we are aiming to continue our sustainable growth and have therefore decided to make several key appointments at senior level.

“These personnel all have extensive knowledge and vast experience in their fields, and will help the business continue to develop its strength in the marketplace and position ourselves in the best possible way.

“We are approaching the new year in a strong position and are looking forward to an exciting 2017 both in terms of secured work and upcoming opportunities.”

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THE chief executive of software specialist Proactis, who overstay its IPO and has been with the business more than a decade is set to retire.

64 year-old Rod Jones has resigned as a director and CEO of the company after 14 years of service.

He will work a 12-month notice period to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

During this period, the company’s current chief financial officer, Tim Sykes, will be the CEO designate whilst the Company commences a search for a new CFO. Mr Jones is beneficially interested in 1,952,720 ordinary shares representing 4% of the company and holds options over 1,070,960 ordinary shares.

Alan Aubrey, Non-Executive Chairman, commented: “Rod has been the CEO of PROACTIS since 2002 and has grown the Company from a small start-up, through floatation into its current position as the UK’s leading supplier of Spend Control solutions and an emerging global player. He will be missed by all when he does retire but will leave behind a very strong team to execute the Company’s strategy and accelerate its progress.”

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TWO non-executive directors have been appointed at Provident Financial.

David Sear joins the board from 1 January 2017. He is currently chairman of Bango plc and has a strong financial services background, particularly in the payment services sector.

Also joining in January is John Straw, an experienced digital entrepreneur who has led and advised on critical digital transformations, including at Thomas Cook Group PLC and Premier Farnell PLC.