Appointments: Ops director for Optionis; Marks & Clerks & more
WARRINGTON-based business and freelancer support provider Optionis has boosted its senior management team after hiring a former director of outsourcing giant Capita.
New group operations director Iftikhar Ahmed spent 12 years at Capita, playing a key role in the delivery of several central and local government contracts.
The 47-year-old will oversee the operations functions of employment services provider Parasol, and small business and contractor support specialist ClearSky.
He said: “Like Capita, Optionis is fundamentally an outsourcing specialist, so my skills and experience are extremely relevant. I am looking forward to helping Optionis become even more dynamic and efficient as an organisation.”
Rob Crossland, chief executive at Optionis, added: “Ifti will be an excellent addition to our senior management team. His track record speaks for itself, and I’m sure he will enable us to improve our operational efficiency even further.”
Optionis recently completed a secondary buyout backed by investment firm MML Capital Partners.
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JONATHAN Stafford has joined patent attorney firm Marks & Clerk’s Manchester office.
Mr Stafford specialises in patent matters in the fields of chemistry and life sciences and is experienced in advising large corporations, start-ups and technology transfer companies in relation to the protection and exploitation of their IP. Prior to qualifying as a patent attorney he worked as a process chemist for a multi-national pharma company.
Mark Dauncey, partner at Marks & Clerk and head of the Manchester chemistry team, said: “We are witnessing growth in our chemical and life sciences practice in Manchester and we believe that Jonathan will be a great asset at this busy and exciting time.”
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GENTING Casinos has appointed Jim Firth, as the new general manager of its Blackpool casino and restaurant, which was given a £500,000 facelift last year.
Mr Firth, 44, has worked in a number of casinos from London to Glasgow. Prior to his appointment, he spent 11 years with Gala Coral Group in a range of senior roles including operations development director and regional manager for the North and West.
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PROPERTY consultant Dunlop Heywood has made two key appointments this week in its Manchester head office.
Rupert Lowe has joined from SGP Property in the city as associate director (Agency) and Eddie Orlinski as a business development manager, specialising in rating.
Managing director Stuart Hicks, said: “Last year was a great year for Dunlop Heywood with new offices opening in Liverpool and Newcastle and sustained growth across all our divisions.
“With our two new senior appointments in Manchester we are ensuring that the team is at full strength to take advantage of the market recovery.”
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ALLIANCE Learning, the Bolton training provider, has promoted Julie Robinson as chief executive.
Ms Robinson joined the charity in 1994 as sales and marketing officer and rose through the ranks to become deputy chief executive in 2006.
She said: “Throughout my 20 years at Alliance Learning I have gained extensive knowledge of the organisation and its business. The staff at Alliance Learning are truly outstanding in terms of commitment to their learners and to our organisation.”
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KNUTSFORD telecoms and internet supplier Concert Networks has added a new recruit through its apprentice scheme.
The firm, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, has appointed apprentice Chris Butler as a first line support engineer.
The Concert Apprenticeship Scheme provides employment opportunities for young people who are looking to gain real-life work experience, recognised qualifications and earn while they learn.
Concert managing director Neil Hollands said: “We are delighted Chris has joined Concert in this landmark year. He has only been here a short time but he is already proving to be a fantastic addition to the team.”
