People: Mazars partner joins firm’s UK executive board; Seafood giant confirms appointment of ongoing CEO; and more

Leeds-based Ian Wrightson, managing partner for the Northern region at Mazars, has been made a member of the Mazars UK executive board.

Wrightson forms part of a team comprising Jac Berry, Tim Davies, Alistair Fraser, Nigel Grummitt and Elisabeth Maxwell which will be responsible for the further development and implementation of the firm’s UK strategy.

Wrightson, an audit and advisory partner, said: “I am delighted to be welcomed as a member of the new executive board and take the opportunity to make a real difference to the ongoing development of Mazars.  We have grown significantly throughout the UK over the last few years, and I want to ensure we continue to build on the success we have recently achieved. I am extremely passionate about developing our people and our culture.

“This includes nurturing and developing our talent, ensuring everyone within Mazars is supported and encouraged to maximise their own potential so we continue to make a real difference to our clients by providing quality service and advice. I am looking forward to contributing to the future success of the firm.”

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Bill Showalter  has been confirmed as Young’s Seafood’s ongoing chief executive.

He took on the role of interim chief executive of Young’s Seafood, in addition to his roles as CEO/CFO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings, in July 2016. It is intended that his roles within the parent company and the operating company will be consolidated together into one role.

With extensive UK and international experience, Showalter has worked in the seafood, food and consumer-facing industries for 29 years. He joined Young’s in 2013 and was appointed CEO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings in January 2016. Since then he has played a key role in driving the company’s strategic plan, with a strong focus on cost management, relationships with retailer customers, strengthening the brand, diversification, international business development, exports and foodservice.

He led the company’s proactive response to the challenging raw material inflation and foreign exchange dynamics following the UK’s vote to leave the EU.  

He said: “We are making significant progress executing our strategic plan, in challenging market conditions, and will continue to be dynamic and proactive in our response to change. Young’s has a broad portfolio as a multi-channel, multi-customer, multi-temperature and multi-category company, offering branded and retailer own-label seafood across the retail and foodservice sectors. Our focus continues to be on inspiring people to love fish now and for generations to come, and on providing great quality and value to our customers and consumers.”

Dale Morrison, chairman of Young’s parent company, said: “We are delighted that Bill will continue to lead Young’s Seafood on a permanent basis. His deep industry experience coupled with his strong relationships across all our stakeholders provides a strong and stable platform for us to achieve our business objectives.”

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Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has expanded its facilities management division after hiring Matthew Willett, who brings with him more than a decade of experience of property refurbishments, fit-outs and ongoing maintenance of commercial properties.

The former director at facilities management and construction firm Horsforth Contract Maintenance (HCM), Willett also brings with him a team of experienced engineers – allowing CPP to now offer a fit-out, refurbishment and ongoing maintenance service to the firm’s clients.

As operations manager, he will oversee the team of property construction and maintenance specialists – offering services including warehouse and office refurbishments, full fit-outs, general repair work and building planned preventative maintenance to CPP clients, as well as a wider portfolio of property owners and tenants.  

CPP partner and head of property and asset management, Matthew Fitzgerald, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Matthew Willett who brings with him a wealth of experience in the construction of commercial and industrial properties, as well as their cosmetic and structural maintenance.

“The strategic decision to bring this service in-house is largely fuelled by the demands of the market, but it also marks our ongoing commitment to delivering a carefully considered 360 service to our clients.”