Appointments: Renovo chief quits; Brown Shipley; Berg: AEW
BIOTECH entrepreneur Professor Mark Ferguson is to quit the board of Renovo to take up a key post with the Irish government.
The former University of Manchester biology professor, who took biotech firm to the main Stock Market has been named Director General of Science Foundation Ireland.
As a result of this appointment, which begins next week, he has stood down as non-executive director of the Manchester-based company, which is now a cash shell company on the AIM list.
Commenting on his new challenge, he said: “I am delighted to be taking up this interesting and exciting position.
“I look forward to further developing the strong science base in Ireland and to ensuring that the outputs of that research are appropriately exploited by small, medium and large companies to create jobs and companies which will contribute to economic growth in Ireland.”
He said his appointment meant that he is not allowed to hold any commercial appointments, which was behind his resignation as chairman and consultant to the business.
“I am confident that Renovo will create value for it’s shareholders, and I wish the company every good fortune in the future,” he added.
Jamie Brook, who is already on the company’s board, will succeed him as chairman.
Based in Dublin, SFI invests in fundamental world class research in areas of strategic importance and strength to the Irish economy.
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BROWN Shipley has appointed Julian Hardiman as head of private banking in the North West to drive growth in the region.
Hardiman, 35, formerly a private client director, has been at Brown Shipley’s Manchester office for seven years and has more than 12 years’ investment management experience.
In this newly-created role he will report directly to managing director Ian Sackfield.
Sackfield said: “We have an excellent team in Manchester and they have played an important role in building Brown Shipley’s strong position in the wealth management market.
In his new role, Julian will draw on his considerable experience and knowledge to help drive our continuing growth in the North West.”
Hardiman added: “At Brown Shipley, we are proud of our 200 year private banking heritage, built upon the traditional values of trust, relationship and service. These values, combined with a contemporary vision, will remain at the core of our future growth and I look forward to playing my part in that growth.”
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MANCHESTER law firm Berg has appointed Ian Barker as head of its property team.
Mr Barker, formerly with Pinsent Masons, joined the Peter Street firm in May last year, is targeting 20% growth in revenue this year.
He said: “As a team we have set ambitious targets for 2012 but we are confident that we will reach our goals. However, the difficult financial environment is still being felt in the property sector so we are under no illusions – this will require hard work and dedication, allied to a continued commitment to providing exceptional service.”
Gaby Rechnitzer, the firm’s former head of property team, will focus on client work after a brief period of transition.
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AEW Architects has recruited David George as associate director. George, pictured below, joins from Austin-Smith:Lord, where he spent six years. 
Managing director, Steve Burne, said: “It is a significant coup to attract David to AEW, given his reputation in the marketplace. David’s ability and commercial awareness to capture and deliver what a client wants matches perfectly the ethos of AEW. His experience and client contacts are complementary to our own and we are delighted to welcome him to the practice.”
David George, whose previous experience includes five years with BDP, added: “This is an exciting opportunity and I am confident the synergy between my own and AEW’s experience will provide a successful basis for new and continued growth. I look forward to the new challenges ahead.”
