Appointments: Co-operative Food; Rickitt Mitchell, Mazars, Brewin Dolphin & more
THE Co-operative Food has appointed a development and innovation chef, reflecting the retailer’s commitment to step-up its quality own-brand range.
Paris-trained Graham Mairs, was previously head chef and innovation manager of the M Kitchen range at Morrisons.
He will be based in the retailer’s HQ at 1 Angel Square, Manchester, which has a state-of-the-art taste centre with four fully-equipped, high-specification kitchens.
Having trained at the Ecole Lenotre in Paris, he has worked and trained with world-renowned Michelin chefs, including Raymond Blanc. He has also represented the GB Culinary Team at the Chefs’ Olympics, and has won 54 medals from international competitions for his skills.
Mr Mairs will report directly to Kate Jones, head of food product at The Co-operative Food, who commented: “Graham is a welcome addition to our team. His love for food complements our own passion for food, and his input will be invaluable in helping us to create some incredible new Co-operative brand products with real standout and appeal for our customers in 2014.”
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GRAHAM Odlin has been appointed a partner at the Manchester office of accountancy firm Mazars and will head its North West tax team.
Most recently he was a tax partner at Grant Thornton and also held the position at KPMG.
He said: “I am delighted to join Mazars which has an ambitious expansion strategy for the North West and nationally. “There is a strong team in place which, together with our strategic investment plans, provide an ideal platform to take advantage of the upturn in the economy and fulfil our growth aspirations.”
Ian Wrightson, managing partner for the North, said: “Graham has an excellent reputation and brings a wealth of experience to the firm. His appointment is part of a major investment strategy in the region which includes recruiting high-calibre senior figures to the North West team as well as developing and promoting from within our existing quality team.”
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MANCHESTER corporate finance firm Rickitt Mitchell has promoted Ashley Haworth to director.
Mr Haworth who joined Rickitts in 2005 has worked on more than 40 deals including the £13m buyout of Stockport energy management specialists, WEMSinternational and the £17m MBO of soup and sauce manufacturer, TSC Foods.
Stuart Moss, managing partner at Rickitt Mitchell, said: “Ashley’s promotion reflects the hard work and commitment he has shown to the firm over the past eight years. He has everything it takes to excel in a more senior role and we feel it is the right time to promote him to the board.”
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BREWIN Dolphin’s Manchester office has announced a series of promotions, with Jacqui Davidson-Slack, Bradley Russell and Richard Morley being promoted from assistant directors to divisional directors.
The wealth manager has £28bn of funds and 30 offices around the UK and Channel Islands.
William Thomson, divisional director and head of the Manchester office, said: “The promotion of Jacqui, Richard and Bradley is an exciting start to 2014 for Brewin Dolphin and will assist in building on the significant growth we achieved in 2013.
“With our sector focus now in place and an incredibly strong team, we are in a good position to take advantage of an uplift in market conditions in 2014.”
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CHESHIRE company GreenKit, a supplier of renewable energy and heat products, has appointed Christos Kottis as its new commercial director.
Based at GreenKit’s head office in Nantwich, Mr Kottis’ remit will involve managing the sales team including leading the growth strategy, marketing and overseeing key accounts.
GreenKit is part of TGE group, Mr Kottis was previously head of marketing. Commenting on his new role, he said: “This is a very exciting time to be involved in the renewables industry and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to help drive the business forward by providing quality renewable products and supporting installers across the UK.”
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MERSEYSIDE charity Alternative Futures Group has appointed Carey Bamber as community service director to lead activity in Wirral and Bootle.
Every year Alternative Futures Group, based in Prescot, supports more than 900 people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
Ms Bamber has around 20 years’ experience advising a range of regional and national organisations including the Mental Health Act Commission, National Institute of Mental Health in England and the Department of Health.
