Appointments: Former AXA boss joins Keoghs’ board; Ascott-Jones in at Brabners and more
NORTH West law firm Keoghs has appointed Peter Hubbard, the former chief executive of insurance giant AXA as a non-executive director.
John Whittle, chief executive of Bolton-based Keoghs said: “We are delighted that Peter is joining us as non-executive director – we have enjoyed steady growth in recent years, and we’re now keen to appoint an exceptional business leader to help strengthen this growth.
“Peter brings a wealth of experience both in the insurance industry and in the large, corporate environment – his strategic guidance and network of contacts within the insurance sector will be a great benefit to Keoghs.”
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LEGAL marketeer Deborah Ascott-Jones has joined North West firm Brabners Chaffe Street as head of business development.
Ms Ascott-Jones, who was made redundant three months ago from Manchester-based Pannone, has also worked for Eversheds and Beachcroft.
She said: “Brabners Chaffe Street is home to some of the legal sector’s leading authorities with an impressive breadth and depth of experience across its practice areas.
“In the current market, clients need senior-level advisors they can trust to provide long-term, practical counsel for their business, and this is where the firm’s heritage of excellence puts it head and shoulders above its competitors.”
Managing partner Michael Brabner said the appointment was a “real coup” for the firm.
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HALE property investment group Braemar plc has announced the appointments of Orla Ball as its in-house counsel and James Agar as associate director.
Ms Ball, who joins from Eversheds, will bring in-house the legal work the group previously has had to contract out to external law firms, and develop the group’s fund management and compliance functions.
Mr Agar, who joins from Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander, will be driving forward business development for the group, across areas including new fund development, property acquisition and financial relationship management.
Marc Duschenes, chief executive of Braemar said:”I am delighted that Orla has agreed to join Braemar. She brings a wealth of corporate legal experience and will be integral to our growing fund management and compliance division.”
“I am delighted to welcome James on board. His experience in property finance fits perfectly with what we do at Braemar and I am sure he will be instrumental in driving forward our existing products as well as helping to develop new funds for the group.”
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NORTH WEST accountancy group Champion has announced Rachel Ward Lilley, operations director, will step down from the board with effect from July 31.
The board have expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to Rachel for her support and hard work during her time with the company.
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LAW firm Hill Dickinson has appointed Jonathan Dover as a partner in its property and construction team.
Mr Dover, who joins Hill Dickinson from Berg Legal, will bring with him property clients including Selbourne Group and Genus plc.
Mike Blakey, head of the Manchester property team at Hill Dickinson, said:“Our property and construction team is highly respected within the sector and Jonathan’s appointment will undoubtedly strengthen this position still further.”
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JOHN Maxwell is to step down from the board of HomeServe having served as senior independent director and chairman of the audit committee for almost five years.
The company has also announced the appointments of Barry Gibson as senior independent director and his current role of remuneration committee chairman will be taken by Ian Chippendale.
Mark Morris will be joining the board as a non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee.
Brian Whitty, chairman of HomeServe, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark to the board, who is also an experienced non executive with a strong financial background.’
