On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

The University of Derby has appointed Marvin Cooke, former executive vice president for manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe, as its professor of enterprise.

Cooke, who takes up his role on 1 September, will lead on industry engagemen and drive forward employability, enterprise and business development as the University prepares for the opening of its new city centre-based Derby Business School building in 2025.

He said: “I am honoured to join the University of Derby and its high-performing, rapidly expanding business school.

“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University’s efforts to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. The role will not only allow me to contribute to the University’s learning and teaching strategies, but to also support research teams and foster professional practice-based collaborations with academic, industrial and government entities.”

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor and dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “We are delighted to have Professor Marvin Cooke on board.

“Marvin is a highly qualified seasoned executive with an exceptional record of radically transforming manufacturing operations at C-Level; raising standard, optimising operations and driving efficiencies.

“He brings with him more than three decades of experience in strategic leadership, business development, cross-border stakeholder management and innovation.

“Professor Cooke will work with colleagues to support the University’s industry engagement efforts, particularly in the areas of business support for growth, efficiency, innovation and talent development.

“He’ll work on collaborative research, knowledge exchange and executive education, and joins the University of Derby as we prepare to move into our new state-of-the-art building that has been designed as a gateway for businesses.”

Stefan Oehl

Real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed experienced Stefan Oehl as director in the building consultancy team.

Joining with more than 20 years post-qualification experience, Oehl’s main focus will be to develop the existing Midlands team, with a view to increasing the building surveying offering for the business.

He said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to be joining Naismiths. The firm recently announced a strategic partnership with construction consultancy Edmond Shipway and is now better positioned than ever before to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

“Having worked in the built environment for some time I was very aware of Naismiths and its excellent reputation and after meeting the team, I now understand where that reputation comes from.

“Aside from developing the team and implementing growth within building surveying, I’m also looking forward to contributing to our sustainability and ESG efforts, recognising that it is an area of increasing importance within the industry.”

Ben Harwood, managing director at Naismiths, said: “Stefan’s appointment is the latest addition in a year of considerable growth for us. As a business, it’s important we bring in people with proven success in the built environment as well as being a good fit for the team, and Stefan certainly ticks the boxes on both fronts.

“I have no doubts that Stefan’s experience and longevity within the sector will add tremendous value to both his clients and colleagues.”