Appointments: New chairmen for Shearings and Bibby Line; GVA promotes nine

FORMER National Express chief executive Phil White has joined North West coach holidays specialist Shearings as chairman.
 
Mr White, who took up the position on July 1, is currently chairman of Manchester car dealership group Lookers, student accommodation provider Unite Group and infrastructure services business Kier Group as well as a non-executive director at Stagecoach and Vp.
 
His appointment at Wigan-based Shearingss follows a management buyout of the business in June.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining Shearings at such an exciting time in its journey. With a recovering economy, an unrivalled proposition and a clear growth strategy, the group is well placed to deliver on its ambitions. This is a business with both a proud past and a bright future.”

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BIBBY Line Group, the £1.5bn turnover business with interests spanning shipping, retail, haulage and financial services, has appointed a new chairman.

Former ICI and Wates Group executive Paul Drechsler has joined the group as a non-executive and chairman designate and will take over the role in June 2015 after Simon Sherrard, who has spent 30 years with the group, 15 years as chairman, steps down.

Sir Michael Bibby, group managing director, said: “Simon has overseen a period of enormous change and significant growth at the group, initially as managing director and latterly as chairman. His contribution has been invaluable and I would like to thank him for his vision and wisdom over many years.” 

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COMMERCIAL property agent GVA has promoted eight in its Manchester office and one in Liverpool.

They are among 100 across the firm’s national network.

In Liverpool the office head Patrick Whitby has been promoted to senior director, while in Manchester Chris Argent (planning), Nicola Rigby (planning) and Jonathan Stanlake (land and development) have become directors.

Rebecca Skerrett (telecoms) and Ian Whittaker (recovery and restructuring) have become principle surveyors, while James Pickles (rating) and Richard Moreton (valuation) have become associates.

Marion Scott has been made a senior property administrator. In addition, Jane Lathwood has been awarded fellowship status by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Regional senior director Mark Rawstron said: “These latest promotions to key individuals in the region follow what has been a defining year for GVA. As we open a new chapter in the long history of this 200-year-old company, we want and need to bring key individuals and teams with us on this exciting journey onto the international stage.

“These promotions are one of a number of ways in which we’re demonstrating our commitment to those we feel can make critical contributions to the future direction of this company and region and continue to help providing our clients with the best possible advice.”

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THE Manchester office of accountancy firm Mazars has appointed Stephen Morrison to head its North West VAT team.

The move is part of the firm’s growth strategy in the region which includes recruiting high calibre individuals across a range of disciplines.

Mr Morrison will be part of the North West tax team which is led by Graham Odlin who joined Mazars earlier this year.

Mr Morrison is a chartered accountant and tax adviser and previously worked at Sodexo where he was head of tax and compliance. Prior to that he was with accountants Smith & Williamson.