People: IPP; WPR; Wright Hassall

Pallet pooler IPP has welcomed Dan Bonnett as a new UK business development manager, joining Colin Keating who has been promoted to business development manager in Ireland.

Building on 11 years with IPP, Keating’s role is now focused on sales and driving new business forward whilst ensuring current customers continue to receive best-in-class service.

He has enjoyed several achievements over the last decade at IPP, from reducing pallet loss rates and improving how IPP manages its recoveries to securing new business wins and growth in Ireland.

In the summer, his role became more commercially focused as the region’s new business development manager.

He will be growing IPP’s existing customer base and expanding its network across Ireland with additional responsibility to help the UK team meet similar objectives.

Working with the existing product portfolio, he will also be exploring opportunities for new products and innovation to deliver a sustainable, future-proofed offer to customers.

Joining him is new recruit Dan Bonnet, who brings over 25 years of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry.

With extensive knowledge of the FMCG retail market and project management, he has a flair for new business development and is looking to help IPP increase its market share as a business development manager in the UK.

Shelley Pierre, Commercial Director at IPP, said: “These two significant appointments will strengthen our offer, helping take our business to the next level. We are growing as a preferred pallet partner for significant businesses across the UK and Ireland, and both appointments will help us shape future opportunities.

“Customer experience is a core focus for IPP and is what sets our business apart in the market; Colin and Dan will help to drive our growth while demonstrating our commitment to customers and delivering the best possible service.

“Colin’s knowledge of our business and focus on being at the forefront of delivering innovation coupled with Dan’s significant industry knowledge is a winning formula. We’re thrilled with both appointments and wish both Colin and Dan every success in the commercial arm of the business.”

Independent PR and social media agency WPR has announced the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of two further associate directors.

The promotion of Natalie Hunt and Andy Williams to associate director positions, sees them join Dan Gabriel, associate creative director, and Rob Jones, associate director, on the Birmingham-based agency’s leadership team.

Jane Ainsworth, managing director, said: “Dan, Rob, Nat and Andy are incredibly talented individuals. They all consistently exceed expectations and bring so much to WPR, over and above their significant commercial contributions. We’re excited to hear the fresh perspective of the first of our new generation of leaders. Their energy, insight and ideas will be a driving force for WPR’s future direction.”

The associate directors now join the existing senior leadership team in delivering the agency’s growth plans for the next five years.

A Midlands law firm has announced a senior appointment that brings more than 20 years of experience to the business.

Wright Hassall has welcomed Karen Brennan as a partner and new head of the family.

She joins Wright Hassall after leading the family team at a Birmingham-based legal firm and is now keen to grow the team at the Leamington Spa-based business.

Wright Hassall’s family team offers legal support in several areas including divorce, matrimonial finance, family matters concerning children, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, civil partnership issues and protecting those experiencing domestic abuse.

Phil Wilding and Karen Brennan

Brennan said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining Wright Hassall as the new head of family. The firm is incredibly well-known across the region, and it is clear that senior colleagues share my passions for excellence in service and ambitions for growth. I am a calm, personable and empathetic individual, with the technical and strategic expertise to get matters resolved where required, which is incredibly important in family law.

“I am also committed to finding creative solutions to problems which do not necessarily revolve around litigation and are more consensual and amicable – something particularly important when children are involved. I have a real drive to connect with clients and provide them with the advice and support that they require.”

Phil Wilding, managing partner at Wright Hassall said: “I am delighted to welcome Karen as our new Head of Family. She has exactly the right expertise and attitude to lead the team and is also highly ambitious. I look forward to working with her as she builds the team.”