On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Michelle Menezes

Michelle Menezes has been appointed as the new centre director at Highcross Leicester – a role that will see her steer the shopping centre through “an ambitious transformation”.

Menezes brings over a decade of retail and centre management experience, including roles with brands like New Look, Debenhams and River Island. Most recently, she was shopping centre manager at Princesshay Exeter.

Menezes says she aims to bolster Highcross’s growing food and beverage offering, while also bringing in well-known brands in fashion, beauty and homeware.

She will also spearhead several key investments over the coming year, including a brand refresh, and the planned redevelopment of the centre’s four entrances.

Alongside Menezes, a trio of key appointments have also been made. Kirsty Freudenreich, whose experience spans brands like Westfield, Intu and McArthurGlen Group, joins as head of operations, Helen Bevins, appointed as senior marketing manager, will lead the marketing strategy to amplify Highcross’ appeal to diverse audiences, while Lee Woulidge also joins the team as technical services manager.

Menezes, said: “Highcross is more than just a shopping and leisure destination – it’s a place where people visit, spend time together and create memories. It’s been a part of the fabric of Leicester for almost 35 years, and my vision is to lead the centre through its next chapter, to see it really thrive. Our goal is to elevate Highcross to become the go-to destination for leisure and retail in the East Midlands; blending sought-after retail offerings with the city’s community and heritage.”

Dr Alistair Smith

N4 Pharma, the listed Derbyshire firm, has appointed Dr Alastair Smith as an independent non-executive director of the Company with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, David Templeton has retired as a director of the company with immediate effect due to “personal reasons”.

Smith was the founder and former chief executive officer of Avacta Group, an AIM-listed biotech company established as a spin-out from Leeds University in 2005 and listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market in 2006.

As part of his remuneration package, Smith has been granted options over 5 million ordinary shares in the company at a price of 0.75p per share. The options vest in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversaries from the date of grant. The options have a term of ten years from the date of grant.

Nigel Theobald, chief executive officer, N4 Pharma, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alastair to the Board of N4 Pharma. His experience in having founded and grown a start-up to become one of the UK’s leading life science businesses will be invaluable in supporting the commercialisation of Nuvec® and advancing our pipeline of innovative therapies.

“On behalf of my fellow directors and everyone involved with N4 Pharma, I would like to thank David for all he has contributed over his years with the company. Whilst he will be sorely missed, his work on dual loading of Nuvec® and its potential for oral delivery has left us with a true point of difference and a clear path towards Phase 1 clinical trials. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Dan Manley

Contractor Clegg Construction has promoted Dan Manley to commercial director.

Manley, who joined the business in July 2021, had been responsible for managing the commercial department, and now formally takes over the board-level commercial and risk management duties within the business.

Managing director of Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Manley as commercial director of Clegg Construction.

“His appointment strengthens our board team as we launch into 2025 with our newly refurbished offices and an encouraging pipeline of work across a range of different sectors, and spread throughout the East Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia.

“On behalf of the team at Clegg Construction, I would like to congratulate Dan on his new role and welcome him to the board.”

Manley has wide experience in main contracting, having worked in the past with the likes of GF Tomlinson and McLaren before joining Clegg Construction three and a half years ago.

He said: “I am very excited to be beginning the latest stage in my career with Clegg Construction.

“The company has a great reputation in the sector, and I am proud to have been appointed as commercial director, supporting my fellow directors as we look forward to the future.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close