People: DWF; Aston University; Knights

DWF, the provider of integrated legal and business services, has launched a new sports sector team, with Birmingham-based partner, Toby Askin, appointed global head of the sports sector.

Toby Askin has been with DWF for more than 11 years and most recently led the firm’s real estate practice area.

He has more than 20 years of experience in real estate development and investment and has also advised on joint venture and partnership arrangements, including the redevelopment of sports stadiums and work with local authorities on strategic regeneration schemes.

Askin said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to lead DWF’s new sports sector and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. In this fast-paced environment, sports organisations, athletes, and stakeholders face complex layers of regulations,
commercial pressures, and public expectations. From negotiating multi-million-pound contracts and safeguarding valuable intellectual property to navigating intricate governance structures and managing high-stakes disputes and injury claims, the legal needs of the sports world are as diverse as they are demanding.”

Aston University has appointed Sasha Ilyukhin as a senior industrial fellow with its advanced services group.

Visiting fellows are appointed based on their professional contribution made to industry and to recognise the wider benefits created for society and University staff and students alike.

Ilyukhin, who is senior vice president of global processing services and services solutions at Tetra Pak, brings a wealth of experience to this role.

With over 22 years at Tetra Pak, he has held various senior leadership roles, consistently driving business growth, innovation and transformation.

Ilyukhin said: “I am honoured to join Aston University as a senior industrial fellow. I am looking forward to using my industry and leadership experience in the services business to help with the development and continuous learning programmes at the University.

“The partnership between Tetra Pak and the Advanced Services Group has been incredibly productive, and I am excited to further our collaborative efforts to drive service innovation, sustainable growth and additional value to our customers.”

Professor Tim Baines, executive director of the Advanced Services Group (ASG) at Aston University, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sasha to the Advanced Services Group. His vast experience and forward-thinking approach will be invaluable in advancing our mission to drive innovation and excellence in advanced services.

“This appointment aligns perfectly with Aston University’s 2030 strategy, where we aim to foster innovation, drive socio-economic transformation enhance graduate employability and social mobility and enhance economic and sustainability metrics such as improving gross domestic product (GDP), increasing productivity and supporting the drive towards net zero.”

“Aston University and Tetra Pak are committed to pushing the boundaries of advanced services, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes for industries worldwide.”

A lawyer has joined Knights’s growing team in Birmingham as the business’ Midlands growth continues.

Partner Tom Evans is an experienced estate and tax planning solicitor with expertise in inheritance and capital gains tax planning.

As a STEP-qualified solicitor, Evans can assist families on a broad range of private wealth matters, including the preparation of wills, powers of attorney, lifetime settlements and the administration of trusts and estates.

Tom Evans and Jess Neyt

He said: “I am delighted to join Knights at this time of huge growth, as well as have the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of the private wealth practice in the Birmingham office and beyond. Knights has a terrific reputation for its ‘one team’ approach to advising individuals, families and privately owned businesses and I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in with my colleagues and providing the best possible service to our clients.”

Jess Neyt, client services director at Knights, said: “Tom is a great addition, bringing a huge amount of talent, a strong reputation, energy and enthusiasm to our Birmingham team. We’re set for further growth in Birmingham and across the Midlands this year and we look forward to Tom helping us to deliver on our plans.”