People: Private equity firm appoints portfolio director; Senior hire for software testing firm; and more

Private equity investor LDC has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of portfolio director Martyn Vitty.

With more than 12 years’ experience in senior leadership roles, Vitty joins LDC from high-growth manufacturer ELEY Group, where he held the positions of interim CEO and finance director.

He joined LDC-backed ELEY Group in 2015 and played a key role in securing new contracts and establishing ELEY Americas in the USA. He also helped to implement the firm’s buy-and-build strategy overseas, which included the acquisition of Texas-based company KSS and the sale of Accles & Shelvoke to Frontmatec in Denmark.

Vitty’s previous experience also includes the role of finance director at United Living Group, where he worked alongside LDC to help the business implement an M&A strategy, and as finance director at Cable Management Products, where he played a key role in the international trade sale of the company to American manufacturer Thomas & Betts in partnership with LDC.

Based in Birmingham, he will provide strategic support to businesses from a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, support services and technology.

Chris Hurley, chief portfolio officer at LDC, said: “Martyn has strong industry experience having held senior positions at a number of high-growth companies, which we’ve seen first-hand through our work with him over the years. He knows what it’s like to deliver growth from a company perspective, which is key in supporting our long-term, flexible partnerships. We’re pleased to be welcoming him formally to the LDC team.”

Vitty added: “I’ve developed a strong relationship with Chris and the team at LDC over the years through my work with some of LDC’s portfolio businesses, so it’s great to be joining the other side of the fence with people I already consider colleagues. With the economy constantly in flux, it’s critical that companies continue to strive for growth and I’m looking forward to working closely with ambitious management teams from across LDC’s portfolio to help them achieve this.”

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Software testing firm Edge Testing Solutions, part of Eurofins Digital Testing, has appointed David Singleton as regional manager for England and Wales – a new role created as part of the company’s nationwide expansion strategy.

Singleton, who has previously worked at Sogeti and Capita, will be based in Edge Testing’s Birmingham office at Quayside Wharf.

He will be responsible for managing all aspects of service delivery for existing clients, and growing the business’ turnover through new contract wins.

He said: “Edge Testing has become a recognised testing provider in Scotland and the Midlands, and our plan is to replicate that success in the North and South East of England and in Wales. We have plans in place to double revenue in those areas over the next two years.

“To meet our targets, we aim to expand our portfolio in the retail, utilities and public sector spaces, where we already have extensive expertise. Additionally, to support new client growth, we will be recruiting experienced practitioners in DevOps and agile, and also young people, graduates and job changers who will train in our Edge Academy.”

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Andy Duggins is to take on the role of technical services director at Birmingham Airport.

Duggins previously worked for High Speed 2 Ltd as project director for Phase 1 West Midlands Stations.  With more than 25 years’ experience of working on high profile projects, he brings with him a wealth of experience.

Simon Richards, acting managing director at Birmingham Airport, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to Birmingham Airport.  He joins us at an exciting time when we are developing our Master Plan, which will ensure that our Airport facilities deliver great customer experience, meet forecast demand growth and deliver operational efficiencies.

“Over the next three years Birmingham Airport will be investing £130m on its facilities, including an extension and modernisation of the departure lounge, enlarged security facility and expanded self-service check-in facilities.  Andy’s knowledge and experience will undoubtedly equip him to successfully deliver these high-profile projects and he will certainly be an asset to Birmingham Airport’s executive team.”

The role of technical services director was previously held on an interim basis by Rod Hulse.

The airport said: “Birmingham Airport wishes to thank Rod for successfully delivering the £14.5m investment programme which has improved facilities and services for passengers over the last 12 months.”