People: PebblePad; ThinCats; Edmond Shipway

PebblePad, the ePortfolio platform for Higher Education, has announced the appointment of Justin Reilly as chief executive officer.

The leadership change is set to drive the company into its next phase of growth and innovation, with a continued focus on enhancing student outcomes, employability, and success.

Reilly brings over two decades of experience in education leadership, including roles as a teacher, inspector, advisor, and serial CEO of EdTech SaaS businesses.

His extensive background and visionary approach make him the ideal leader to guide PebblePad through its next chapter.

Shane Sutherland, founder and outgoing CEO said: “As we look to scale our impact and expand our reach, Justin brings the operational expertise, strategic vision, and leadership experience to guide PebblePad through its next phase. We’re thrilled to welcome Justin to the team.”

Reilly said: “I am privileged to join PebblePad at such an exciting time in its journey. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on the strong foundation laid by Shane and to drive forward our mission of enhancing student success and employability. Together, we will continue to innovate and support educators in making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.”

ThinCats, the alternative finance provider to mid-sized SMEs, has announced the appointment of Paul Turner as senior director of its Healthcare team.

Turner has over two decades of experience in healthcare and joins from Santander Bank, where he was most recently relationship director of the Healthcare Team.

The appointment is part of ThinCats’ ongoing growth strategy and Healthcare proposition.

An experienced banker with over thirty years in the industry, Turner has specialised in healthcare for the last 20, focusing mainly on long term specialist and elderly care, as well as primary healthcare at both regional and national level.

Paul Turner

Prior to Santander, he worked as a relationship director at Barclays and in Healthcare at RBS.

Turner said: “I’m very pleased and excited to be joining ThinCats as it expands its support for healthcare businesses across the UK. I’m looking forward to working with Richard and Mike as well as the rest of the team at ThinCats.”

Richard Henshaw, head of healthcare at ThinCats said: “Paul is a great addition to the team and will take on a crucial strategic role as our healthcare proposition grows, reinforcing our continued commitment to high growth businesses within the healthcare sector. He is highly respected within the industry, and his skills and experience align perfectly with our mission to help a greater number of mid-sized SMEs secure the funding they need to succeed.”

Mike Hackett, chief commercial officer at ThinCats said: “I am delighted Paul will be working with Richard in enhancing our Healthcare offering which is a key growth proposition for ThinCats. His appointment reflects our determination to build on momentum and support even more mid-sized businesses in achieving their growth ambitions.”

Independent construction and property consultancy Edmond Shipway has strengthened its M&E department.

Joining the business are Dominika Ruszkowska and Kieran Holmes, operating in mechanical design engineer and graduate mechanical engineer roles.

Dominika Ruszkowska

With more than eight years of experience in similar roles, Ruszkowska will be tasked with operating on large-scale projects at RIBA Stage 2-4, assisting project operations and delivering value-driven solutions to clients across the country.

Josh Croft

Kieran Holmes joins after completing his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Loughborough University and will evolve his skills and experience across Edmond Shipway’s portfolio of national schemes.

Ruszkowska said: “During my career, I’ve been able to work on a variety of projects, including those within the arts, culture and heritage sector, which pose unique M&E considerations as we aim to build and transform our built environment sustainably.

“Edmond Shipway’s commitment to this ethos, empowering colleagues to help reach net zero by 2050 drew me to this role, and I’m looking forward to assisting my colleagues and growing my leadership skills and abilities across the coming years.”

Josh Croft, director at Edmond Shipway said: “Demand for M&E services is at a consistent high right now, as we work to sustainably build and rebuild for the future, with net zero goals in mind.
“Our dedicated M&E team continues to evolve, and the appointments of Dominika and Kieran signal our dedication to progressing and training the next generation of talent that will help us continue to meet and exceed client targets.

“We look forward to adding further to our team, combining our expertise across the Edmond Shipway portfolio with our partners Naismiths to offer the most comprehensive building consultancy services in the country.”