On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Derby-based PKF Smith Cooper has welcomed transaction services executive Amrit Singh to its team.

Singh joins from a corporate finance boutique, where she worked as an analyst. Before commencing her career, she studied accounting and finance at the University of Birmingham, at a time when she also undertook part-time bookkeeping and administrative roles.

She supports her team with financial due diligence, valuation and financial modelling engagements, as well as supporting with wider advisory services.

Singh said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Transaction Services team at PKF Smith Cooper. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside a talented team, take on some exciting projects, and grow my skill set – especially during such an exciting period of growth for the firm.”

David Nelson, senior partner at PKF Smith Cooper said: “We are delighted to welcome Amrit to our growing Transactions Services team, and I am looking to forward to see her progress within her role and strengthening our specialist team.”

Pall-Ex Group, a palletised freight distribution network, has appointed Kevin McDonagh as operations director following a restructuring among the business’s top talent.

Kevin McDonagh

McDonagh joins the company with over 30 years of experience in the logistics sector across warehousing, distribution and pallet network services.

Joining from Bow Distribution, McDonagh boasts an extensive portfolio of qualifications and a proven track record in increasing operational performance.

Key responsibilities in his new role involve enhancing the efficiency of Pall-Ex’s UK hub operations, strengthening collaboration with Pall-Ex’s shareholder members and driving continuous improvement to service levels across the network.

McDonagh said: “What initially attracted me to join Pall-Ex Group was the company’s culture and its openness to embracing change. Pall-Ex Group has a strong reputation within the industry for innovation and adaptability, and I was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to a business that is committed to evolving and improving.”

Focus areas that he will be prioritising in upcoming months include addressing the growing volume across the UK hubs and refining the current banding structure to streamline efficiencies.

Increasing overall service levels across the network is another priority that Kevin will focus on as he heads up the operations team.

McDonagh continued: “Through continuous improvement across our operations and by fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation, I am confident that we can navigate any challenges successfully to achieve sustainable, continued growth.

“I am  looking forward to working closely with our shareholder members to drive operational improvements throughout the network wherever possible, with the goal to deliver high standards of service to every customer.”

The addition of McDonagh as operations director follows a number of recent promotions across Pall-Ex Group, with former Pall-Ex UK managing director, Barry Byers, being promoted to chief operating officer (COO), Michelle Naylor moving from commercial director to managing director – UK Networks and former operations director, Paul Pegg, becoming managing director – Pall-Ex Logistics.

Michelle Naylor, Pall-Ex managing director – UK Networks, comments on the appointment: “I am delighted to announce the addition of Kevin McDonagh as Operations Director. Kevin has a strong passion for operational excellence and is very customer-centric in his approach to service, making him the obvious choice to drive our network further.

“Bringing with him a wealth of experience, Kevin is sure to make a great addition to the team, and we are looking forward to seeing the network benefit as we maintain our position as market leaders.”

Purpose-led creative agency STENCIL has announced the promotion of Kieran Longworth to editorial director.

Longworth, previously assistant editor of Pitch – Stories of Modern Sport, will lead editorial strategy across the Nottingham-based agency’s portfolio, including branded content, publications, and digital storytelling.

Founded in 2016 by Andy Afford and Sam Bowles, STENCIL offers enhanced and advanced opportunity to young creatives through identifying and onboarding creative talent, made possible by formal institutional partnerships that include Nottingham Trent University’s School of Design & Digital Arts.

Kieran Longworth

Longworth’s promotion reflects his leadership qualities as well as his ability to deliver high-impact narratives for clients and readers alike.

Andy Afford, managing director at Stencil said: “Kieran’s ability, his vision, and his manner align perfectly with our desire to tell great stories. He has been a big part of our growth, as well as an illustration of the business’s ability to develop emerging talent into something more.”

Longworth will also formally take the reins as editor of pitch – Stories of Modern Sport, STENCIL’s award-winning print title.

Afford will move to editor-in-chief across all titles.