People: New MD for events business; The West Brom adds to board; and more

An event management specialist has appointed a new managing director to spearhead the firm’s UK expansion.

Scott Metcalfe has joined Stadium – which is headquartered on Bodmin Road, Coventry and employs more than 1,000 staff – to develop the global firm’s UK arm.

He takes over the running of the UK operations from company founder, David McAtamney, who is focusing on the global expansion of the business – starting with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where the firm is helping to train the country’s police force.

Stadium was formed in 2009 and provides traffic management, event services and training, as well as rental of security barriers, the hiring of stewards and SIA security staff for events. The firm supports events ranging from Olympic Games, to Premier League football matches, sell-out concerts and high-profile conferences.

Metcalfe arrives at Stadium with more than 20 years of business development and event management experience.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have joined a forward-thinking firm such as Stadium that has undergone substantial growth over the past decade.

“The pandemic, while very damaging for the economy, has enabled us to pause and review where the next opportunities for growth are – already we have secured a deal to provide support for two Covid-19 test centres in the Midlands, and we have also developed a prototype for a new queueing system that promotes social distancing.

“The pandemic will add a new dimension to how events are managed in the near future because event-goers need reassurance that they can attend in a safe environment – and our staff training is being enhanced even further to reflect this.

“We are gearing up for stadiums partially re-opening in October – as well as any potential crowd trials leading up to this – and I’m really excited at the challenge of growing the business at a time when event management and security is going to be more important than ever.”

McAtamney added: “Having someone with Scott’s contacts and experience running our UK operations is a real coup for us as we look to unlock further overseas opportunities thanks to the reputation we have forged for ourselves in the UK.“Our business, like so many others, is operating in unprecedented times but Scott is well-placed to build upon the solid foundations that have been laid over the past decade.”

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The West Bromwich Building Society has announced the appointment of David Thomas, taking the role as non-executive director.

Throughout his career, Thomas has held a variety of senior leadership roles, including positons with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe, Ulster Bank and RBS, specialising in credit and liquidity risk.

He also brings wide ranging experience as a non-executive director. For the past five years, he has held the position of director and member of the Audit, Risk and Remuneration committees at SMBC Nikko Capital Markets, and previously was a Trustee of RBS Social and Community Capital.

He said: “I am delighted to join the West Brom and have the opportunity to be able to make a real contribution to helping shape the future of the Society. This marks the first time I have taken a role in the Building Society sector, and I believe my experience and my passion to help businesses succeed will enable me to add real value for the Society’s members.”

Mark Nicholls, chairman, said: “I am delighted David is joining our board. His skills and experience will complement the range of expertise we have around the table and help us to provide good challenge and support at the West Brom.”

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Harris Lamb has welcomed a new lease advisory and valuation surveyor to its expanding team.

Carolyn Quinn joins the team from Knight Frank, having previously worked at Christie & Co specialising in the corporate childcare team, and has recently achieved her MRICS qualification.

Richard Fantham, head of professional services at Harris Lamb, said: “We are delighted to welcome Carolyn to the team. Her experience within the children’s nursery sector provides further strength to our client offering, and we look forward to benefitting from her knowledge within the field.

“While Carolyn will primarily work alongside the Lease Advisory team, she will also provide valuation support across our extensive client portfolio.

“With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding all industries as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is of the utmost importance to us that we provide the best possible service to our clients throughout, and as such we are committed to investing in the best people to enhance our team and enable us to do that. Carolyn is such a person and we are confident that she will have a great impact.”