Appointments: Big-hitter joins Justs Costs; Knights, OBI & more

JUST Costs Solicitors has appointed Kevin Doolan, formerly head of client relations at national firm Eversheds, as a consultant and non-executive director.
 
Mr Doolan was a partner at Eversheds for 25 years where he was responsible for managing some of the firm’s largest client relationships and also established its online legal services.
 
Now an academic based at Churchill College, Cambridge, Mr Doolan will be working closely with former colleague and Just Costs’ managing director Paul Shenton.

Mr Shenton said: “Kevin has a proven track record over many years with one of the world’s leading law firms. Recognised as one of the leading innovators in the legal sector, he is an acknowledged expert in the field of developing professional services relationships. 

“I have no doubt he will bring exceptional and unique value to the business as we continue to drive it forward and expand.  His appointment is a real signal of our intent.”

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LAW firm Knights has appointed Elisabeth Pugh as a partner and head of its family department in Chester.

Joining from rival Chester firm Aaron & Partners, Miss Pugh said: “”I am excited to be joining Knights as partner and heading up a growing family department. It was the structure of Knights which I found really appealing – and the fact that the firm is doing so well in this area.  It has an accomplished reputation for the work it does.

“Knights is a firm which is well known for doing things differently and has big plans for expansion. I wanted very much to be part of that growth and future development.”

Knights now employs 30 people at its Cuppin Street offices.

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COMMERCIAL property agent OBI Property has appointed Adrian Sharpe as non-executive chairman.

Sharpe, who led biscuit maker Burton Foods until 2003, is a non-executive director at various UK companies, and advises London investment house Spayne Lindsay.

Will Lewis, director at Manchester-based OBI, said: “His wealth of experience and exceptional track record will be invaluable to us and to our clients.  Adrian will no doubt support and enhance our innovative approach to business.  This is a really exciting appointment and already the whole team are buzzing.”

Adrian Sharpe said: “OBI Property is an exciting, ambitious company with integrity, strong values and a set of dynamic outward looking teams. I look forward to the challenge of using my knowledge of a wide range of business sectors to add a new dimension to the firm which has based its success on providing an exceptional client service and integrated approach. We are already working on some exciting new avenues which will facilitate the next wave of expansion.”

Will Lewis, director, OBI Property said: “His wealth of experience and exceptional track record will be invaluable to us and to our clients.  Adrian will no doubt support and enhance our innovative approach to business.  This is a really exciting appointment and already the whole team are buzzing.”

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PAUL Bayliss general manager of Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa, has been appointed chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association.

The association is dedicated to championing the vibrant Manchester hotel scene and gives hotel managers a voice on important issues such as marketing and tourism activities.

Mr Bayliss, who has 24 years’ experience in the hotel industry, said: “My hope is to solidify relationships in the hotel community and encourage businesses to seize opportunities to drive visitors to the city.”

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SAFETY and risk management consultancy GexCon has appointed a new risk engineer to join its eam.
Pablo Giacopinelli, who has a Masters degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Manchester is now a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) risk engineer at the Ormskirk company.

GexCon which recently opened an office in London helps its clients identify hazards, mitigate risks and improve their safety performance.

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TGE Group, the renewable energy specialist, has appointed Claire Morgan as marketing and communications manager.

Based at the company’s head office in Nantwich, Cheshire she will be responsible for designing and implementing marketing campaigns to raise awareness of TGE’s work designing and installing commercial and public sector renewable energy projects.   

Rupert Higgin, managing director of TGE Group, said: “It is great to have someone with Claire’s experience and enthusiasm on board.  

“We look forward to working together and developing campaigns that will further grow the business.”