Appointments: Electricity North West; DTZ; Seneca Investment Managers
FORMER United Utilities chief executive John Roberts has been appointed chairman of power networks operator Electricity North West.
Dr Roberts comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the utility sector having previously been chief executive of Manweb, the network operator for Merseyside and North Wales, and United Utilities which owned the North West’s power grid operator before selling it in 2007.
Electricity North West is four years into a five-year 1.4bn investment programme for the region, and is currently discussing its investment plans to 2023 with regulator, Ofgem.
Chief executive Steve Johnson, said: “I’m delighted to welcome John to the business. His experience and knowledge is second to none.
“We are at a critical time of investment in the power network as we work to deliver a reliable, sustainable yet affordable network for people and businesses across the region.
“The recent storms show just how much we all depend on electricity, and we’re absolutely committed to providing the right level of investment and the right people to keep the lights on in the North West.”
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SENECA Investment Managers, which recently acquired Miton Capital Partners, has appointed experienced finance professional David Warnock is joining as chairman.
Mr Warnock has over 30 years’ investment experience in both public and private companies, and co-founded Aberforth Partners.
Stuart Eaton, chief executive of Seneca Investment Managers, said:”David is one of the most recognised people in the industry and it is a real coup to have him onboard. Our goal is to turn Seneca Investment Managers into a leading brand within UK financial services and his experience, expertise and contacts will certainly make that a lot easier to achieve.”
Mr Warnock added: “I am both privileged and excited to have been offered the role of chairman. Stuart has big plans for Seneca Investment Managers and my role will be to help those plans come to fruition in the years ahead.”
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PROPERTY adviser DTZ’s Manchester office has recruited Andrew Teage from BDP to lead a new town planning team.
Mr Teage’s role will also involve developing DTZ’s town planning profile and portfolio across the North and nationally. As a chartered town planner Andrew has 15 years experience working in both the public and private sectors. His particular area of expertise is preparing, submitting and securing consent for major and complex planning applications and providing associated planning advice, guidance, reports and assessments.
John Keyes, senior director and head of DTZ’s Manchester office said: “This appointment is part of our strategy to grow our town planning consultancy team across the UK as development prospects and optimism in the market continues to improve.
“Andrew’s experience and skills are an excellent fit to our existing regional strengths. Planning for housing is – and will remain – a national and regional priority and, in addition, Andrew’s public sector experience will help new and existing clients to address the challenges they continue to face.”
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STOCKPORT law firm, Gorvins Solicitors, has strengthened its commercial and private client teams with the arrival of six people.
Samantha Marcus, 36, from Manchester, joins as an associate solicitor in commercial property, having previously worked for DWF in Manchester.
The firm’s wills, trusts & probate has hired Andrew Platts, as an associate solicitor together with Danielle Hursthouse who joins as legal secretary to support the team.
Three new staff have joined the residential property team. They are associate solicitor Sharon Kelly, 31, and case administrators Samantha Shemilt and Claire Ryder.
