People: Co-op Live; THG Ingenuity; Dote; Dow Schofield Watts; Sales Geek; Turley
Katie Musham has move into a new role with Oak View Group International, where she will continue to grow Co-op Live’s programme of bespoke events, and to support OVG in their rapid expansion across Europe and rest of world.
She started her now 20-year career in live venues as Programming Manager for Music & Entertainment at London’s Wembley Arena, during which she supported the grade II listed building’s £36m redevelopment, going on to join the opening team and establishing the world-renowned O2 Arena.
Stepping oversees, she spent 9 years working across ASM’s flagship Australian venues, including a career highlight launching the award-winning RAC Arena in Perth, and moving to the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground for several years.
Upon returning to the UK, Katie joined Oak View Group to work across partnerships and programming, and now leads on arena bookings as Director of Strategic Programming for Co-op Live.
Ben Sharman
Ben Sherman been appointed as the new Director of Booking at Co-op Live.
With over a decade of experience in the live events and entertainment industry, he has managed British Athletics’ commercial partners in advance of the London 2012 Olympic Games and secured major sponsorships for Aston Villa Football Club in the Premier League. He joined the commercial partnerships department at the NEC Group in 2014, transitioning into arena programming in 2017, and promoted to Head of Programming for Utilita Arena Birmingham and bp pulse LIVE in late 2022.
On his new role at Co-op Live, Ben Sharman said: “Joining Oak View Group and Co-op Live marks an exciting new chapter in my career after an incredible 11 years at the NEC Group, for which I’m deeply grateful. When the opportunity to work with the UK’s largest arena came, it was impossible to turn down. I’m eager to bring my experience in venue programming and strong industry relationships to cement Co-op Live’s status as a must-play venue in the global live events industry.”
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John Gallemore has joined the Ingenuity Board as Executive President and resigned from the board and as Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
John Gallemore
One of the founders of The Hut Group with Matthew Moulding, Gallemore’s new role will focus on Ingenuity, which has demerged from the stock market listed THG.
Last year Gallemore was promoted to chief operations officer at THG, as Damian Sanders took over as chief financial officer.
At the time Moulding said: “Before his move to COO today, John’s previous THG roles have ranged from group CFO, CEO of Ingenuity in its formative years, call centre operative, warehouse picker, and was even known to clean the office toilets at the end of the day in the early days before we could afford a cleaner.”
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Avril Murphy
Manchester-based start up Dote has appointed Avril Murphy as Chief operating officer to scale the business.
The company’s products include an AI-powered smart baby monitor, advanced strollers and travel systems and car seats.
She is experienced in the nursery and consumer technology sectors, including serving as General Manager, International and Chief Revenue Officer at Owlet Baby Care, where she oversaw US business performance and market expansion. Most recently, at NIRA, the at-home skincare laser specialists, she demonstrated her expertise in scaling businesses globally.
In her new role, Murphy will focus on establishing Dote’s US presence, building strategic partnerships with retailers and distributors, and supporting the brand’s investor outreach.
Ste Senior, founder of Dote, said: “We’ve had phenomenal feedback from partners, investors, and parents on our product ecosystem, which reinforces the belief in Dote’s potential to transform the parenting experience. Launching our Series A funding round marks a pivotal moment for us as we build the foundation to expand globally and deliver our technology to parents everywhere.
“Appointing Avril is a crucial step in this journey. Her extensive experience in scaling businesses internationally and driving innovation in underserved markets makes her the ideal choice to lead our US expansion. With her leadership, we’ll strengthen our growth strategy while staying true to our mission of supporting parents with groundbreaking technology.”
Avril Murphy added: “Joining Dote at this exciting stage feels like an incredible opportunity. The team’s commitment to innovation and creating meaningful solutions for parents is inspiring, and I’m thrilled to help shape the brand’s US strategy while contributing to its global growth. Dote’s potential is immense, and I’m eager to help bring this transformative ecosystem to more families.”
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Business advisory firm, Dow Schofield Watts, has appointed Pete Fendall as Chief Finance and Operating Officer. Previously Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Interim Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Pete’s promotion makes him one of the youngest CFOs on the Alternative Investment Market.
Pete joined Daresbury-headquartered Dow Schofield Watts in 2021 as Strategic Projects Director, playing a key role in the firm’s IPO. He quickly advanced to senior leadership, becoming COO and Interim CFO at the age of 32. Prior to joining Dow Schofield Watts, Pete qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte, where he worked on complex audit and advisory engagements for private equity-backed and listed businesses.
He said: “It has been a privilege to be part of Dow Schofield Watts’ growth journey over the past three years. From the IPO to strategic acquisitions like DR Solicitors, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team during a transformative period for the firm. I look forward to continuing to support our clients and partners as we embark on this next phase of growth.”
James Dow, CEO at Dow Schofield Watts, said: “Pete has played a central role in driving the firm’s success and shaping its strategic direction. His financial expertise, operational insight, and collaborative approach have been instrumental in supporting our growth and building a strong platform for the future. We are confident that with these additional responsibilities Pete and Dow Schofield Watts will continue to thrive.”
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Danny Simpson, Sales Geek
Blackburn-headquartered Sales Geek, the provider of part-time Sales Directors, has appointed Danny Simpson as Managing Director for the UK.
He joins Sales Geek having owned the largest independent franchisee for Virgin Media, O2 across the North West.
“Danny’s appointment is a significant step forward for Sales Geek,” said Richard Few, Founder and Chief Geek, “His expertise and vision align perfectly with our mission to change the way the world perceives sales. Danny and I crossed paths in the early days of Sales Geek, and we have remained in touch. He has been a tremendous help and advocate of our business since then, and we’re thrilled to have him officially on board. He is the perfect person to build on our strong foundations and lead our UK team to new heights in 2025 and beyond.”
Danny Simpson said: “It’s an honour to join Sales Geek as Managing Director as part of my main portfolio of commitments. Working closely with Richard and Tom Crook, our Head of UK Commercial Growth, I’m committed to leading our team, driving robust revenue growth in 2025 and beyond, and delivering exceptional service and growth plans that empowers both our UK franchisees and clients both existing and new.”
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Chris Peacock
Chris Peacock has joined Turley as director of strategic communications.
He has over 15 years experience in politics, public affairs and consultation communications. He has been responsible for developing engagement programmes for clients across infrastructure, planning, property, housing, energy and health sectors.
He joins from specialist public affairs agency Lexington where he worked for 3 years, after working for 3 years at Grayling.
He was also an elected Labour councillor in Bolton until May 2015, latterly serving as the cabinet member for adults (social care).
