Appointments: Ops director for The Heath; Co-op Bank & more

SOG, the owner and operator of The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn, has appointed Charles Davies as its new operations director.

The 54-year-old replaces Tony Banner who retired at the end of June.

Davies, who began his career as an electrician with ICI in 1988, transferred to SOG when the company took over the former ICI chemicals headquarters in 2000. Since then SOG has transformed the location into one of the UK’s most successful independently-run business and science parks. 

SOG managing director John Lewis said: “One of the keys to our successful business model has revolved around protecting the skills base from the ICI days and encouraging these highly skilled staff to adapt to support the wide range of businesses operating at The Heath. 

“We have some incredibly talented people working at SOG, and Charles’ promotion demonstrates how through hard work and drive you can make it to the top.”

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JAMES Mack has been appointed acting chief financial officer at The Co-operative Bank, reporting to Steve Humes, chief financial officer at The Co-operative Group. 

He replaces Barry Tootell, following his recent appointment as acting chief executive of The Co-operative Bank in the wake of CFS chief executive Neville Richardson’s decision to stand down.

Formerly responsible for financial control, Mack joined The Co-operative in 2010 from Skipton Building Society where he was general manager, capital markets and planning.

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DEWHURST Torevell, a Manchester-based financial advisory firm has promoted Phil Shaw to assistant director.

Shaw has worked for the independent group for nearly six years and is a chartered financial planner.

Managing director Phillip Dewhurst said: “We are delighted to
recognise Phil’s achievements with this appointment. Phil is highly respected within the profession. Not only this but he has an excellent rapport with Dewhurst Torevell clients who regard him as a trusted adviser.”

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PIERCE, the Blackburn accountancy group, has appointed Chris Harland as a director.

Harland, 42, of West Lancashire, joins Pierce from RSM Tenon where he was director of business services and a regional director of outsourcing.

Pierce MD Paul Warren said: “Chris is a significant appointment for Pierce and one which demonstrates our commitment to offering clients the highest quality of advice available.

“He will undoubtedly play an important part in the future of the group and I take great pleasure in welcoming him aboard.”

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Law firm Kirwans has promoted three of its staff to associate level.
Wills and estates solicitor Claire Currie, civil litigation solicitor Jonathan Thew and personal injury solicitor Jenna Hargreaves have all been promoted.

Currie joined Kirwans as a trainee, Thew joined from another Merseyside firm as assistant solicitor and Hargreaves initially trained at the Bar before opting to become a solicitor rather than a barrister. She is now a team leader in the Personal Injury department, responsible for managing seven fee earners.

Simon Gibson, Kirwans’ managing partner, said: “Claire, Jonathan and Jenna have not only proven themselves to be extremely talented lawyers, but they also completely understand the importance of exceptional client care and taking responsibility for growing their own areas of work.”

Kirwans said it had increased staff numbers across its four offices by more than 20 per cent year-on-year.

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MANCHESTER web development agency CTI Digital has recruited four new members of staff.

Holly Dewsbury and Catherine Hankinson have been appointed as project managers, Louise Nicholas as a junior designer and Jessica Buckingham as office manager.

Dewsbury, 23, has experience working as an account executive, managing FMCG brands in Singapore.

Hankinson, 30, has experience working in the industry, across accounts such as Sony Pictures Entertainment and IHG Hotels.

Nicholas, 22, has already been involved in CTI Digital’s imminent rebrand and new office manager Buckingham, 24, has already streamlined the administrative process within her first few weeks.

Nick Rhind, MD of CTI Digital, said: “The new employees have settled in at a startling pace. We always look for the best talent when it comes to recruitment regardless of gender, and it is great to be able to welcome all four new recruits to the team who bring with them experience, expertise and handbags.”

CTI Digital’s clients include GMG, Sky Rainforest Rescue, The Drum and Manchester Digital.