Appointments: Co-operative Group; Knights & more
JASON McEwen has been appointed to the new role of head of portfolio, programmes and project delivery at The Co-operative Group.
His responsibilities include leading all construction, refurbishment and retro-fit projects to the trading, logistics and corporate estate across the group.
Previously a management consultant with EY, he joined The Co-operative in November 2012 as national investment delivery lead.
Mr McEwen, who will now lead the delivery of all the Group’s capital investment programmes, has more than 14 years of programme and project management experience. Previous roles include two years with management consultancies in Australia, and four years as a client side project manager at international consultancy and construction company, Mace Group.
David Roberts, director of estates services at The Co-op said: “The group is undertaking a significant programme of re-fits and refurbishments across its food trading estate as part of its vision to be the best local retailer in the UK, as well as in other business areas. In the two years Jason has been with us he has proved himself capable of overseeing this vast programme, and I am confident his knowledge and experience of programme management will ensure its continued success.”
The Co-operative has announced plans to open over 100 new stores in 2014 and 150 in subsequent years, between 2,000 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft net sales area, particularly in high street and local community locations.
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AHEAD of next year’s Manchester International Festival, Andrea Lowe has been appointed as development co-ordinator with special responsibility for the MIF15 Members Scheme.
She joins the popular arts festival following six years as events manager and regional administrator at Institute of Directors North West, where she managed the region’s events programme and member engagement.
MIF’s director of development Rachel Green said: “We’re delighted to have Andrea on board. She brings with her a wealth of experience and an excellent contacts book. Our members scheme is set to double this year and I know Andrea is the right person to ensure all our valued members get the most out of their relationship with the Festival over the coming months.”
The MIF15 membership scheme will be launched this autumn
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SOCIAL housing expert Jane Cox has been appointed as partner at the Chester office of law firm Knights.
She has considerable experience in the housing sector, most recently leading corporate services at a housing association group and, as such, has expertise beyond legal advice.
Commenting on her move, she said: “I am looking forward to leading the team which will offer a full range of legal and other professional services to our clients. The social housing sector has seen many changes over recent years with more to come, such as the regulatory changes recently consulted upon by the HCA, which may present a number of obstacles to housing associations.
“With our wide ranging knowledge and expertise, we can offer housing associations and housing providers with the support they need, to ensure that their practises are compliant and advise them on the best way of working within new regulations.”
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LIVERPOOL law firm Hampson Hughes Solicitors, which specialises in no win no fee personal injury compensation, has appointed Beverley Smith as head of clinical negligence.
Beverley, who joins from Southport-based Fletchers Solicitors, specialises in all aspects of clinical negligence claims including: birth injuries; orthopaedic and spinal injuries; cancer claims and delay in diagnosis.
She brings with her 10 years’ experience in dealing with civil litigation.
Paul Hampson, joint managing partner at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said: “Beverley’s expertise in dealing with complex clinical negligence claims will be crucial to developing this key practice area. Her experience will make a significant contribution to the team and we’re delighted to have her on board.”
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MARK Slater has joined Bolton law firm Asons Solicitors as a graphic designer in its marketing department. He will work on improving the firm’s digital marketing presence.
His career so far has led him to working freelance for comedians (Sarah Millican, Ed Byrne), and with an agency for major sports brands (Manchester City FC, Everton FC, Nottingham Forest FC), Nestle, Halfords, Kelloggs and prestige motoring brands such as Aston Martin and McLaren. During nine years he has designed in excess of 200 brand logos.
