People: Knight Frank; Avison Young; Shackletons; and more
Global property consultancy Knight Frank has made six promotions at its Leeds office.
Tom Goode, Matt Turner, Rebekah Donaldson, Amy Wood and James Green have all become partners, while Victoria Harris is now an associate.
Nationally Knight Frank has promoted 51 employees to partner and 77 to associate.
Henrie Westlake, partner and head of the Leeds office, said: “These promotions are thoroughly deserved and a recognition of the hard work, dedication and dynamism each of the six have demonstrated during the past 12 months.
“All six have contributed to the continuing success of the Leeds office of Knight Frank in what are challenging times for the commercial property sector. Their commitment is exemplary and they have my warmest congratulations.
“On a national and international level, despite market disruption, Knight Frank has outperformed expectations, which is testament to our strength, the power of partnership and a huge amount of hard work from our brilliant people globally.”
William Beardmore-Gray, chairman, added: “We are pleased that 50% of partner promotions and 40 per cent of new associates are female, moving the gender balance of partners in a positive direction, progress that we will seek to maintain and increase in future years.
“Providing meaningful career paths for the best talent in real estate is key to the future success of our business and I would like to congratulate everyone at Knight Frank who has earned a promotion this year and wish them every success in their next chapter within our Partnership.”
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Avison Young has appointed Stuart Howie as regional managing director for Leeds as part of its plans to expand its network, drive wider business growth and deliver large-scale regional development projects.
With over 25 years’ experience in regeneration and economic development, Howie previously served as head of regeneration at Avison Young, providing commercial and financial advice on some of the UK’s largest property and regeneration projects, including advising Durham City Council on the creation of an Innovation District with Durham University.
His appointment follows the recent news that Stephen Cowperthwaite, former regional managing director for Avison Young’s Liverpool office, will be stepping into the new role of managing director of UK regions to drive forward partnerships between the regions and both UK and foreign investors.
Prior to joining Avison Young in October 2018, Howie spent two decades as a director at professional services firm PwC, delivering major public service transformation projects and advising the public sector on the use of devolution freedoms.
In his new role, he will lead on generating growth across the Yorkshire region, building relationships with local authorities, developers, and occupiers, and supporting Avison Young’s wider ambition to deliver large-scale regional development projects.
He joins Sarah-Jane Osborne, Barry Crichton, Paul Broad and Stewart Taylor, as they take up equivalent positions at the company’s Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh offices, respectively.
Howie said: “After four years at the firm, I am excited for this new chapter and to bring my established experience in driving regional growth to the role.
“The Leeds office has a wealth of talented colleagues, providing strategic property advice across the Yorkshire region and beyond, and I look forward to working with colleagues, clients and local communities to unlock investment and inclusive growth opportunities together.”
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Shackletons, a Yorkshire-based heritage furniture brand, has appointed Donna Bellingham as new chief executive officer.
She has been hired to strengthen the leadership team and support the business through further growth.
Bellingham has led boards through acquisition, recession and growth. She joins Shackletons following 18 years as CEO of Parker Knoll, Duresta and Collins & Hayes, all premium furniture brands within the Sofa Brands International stable.
Previously, she has worked in senior executive roles at Marks and Spencer.
As CEO, she will report directly to Sir Anthony Ullmann, who acquired Shackletons in 2018. He will continue to serve as executive chairman, providing continuity, oversight and guidance.
Bellingham said: “I am happy to be joining Shackletons and having the opportunity to work alongside talented people in all areas of the group.
“The leadership team has already achieved remarkable success in revitalising the business since its acquisition five years ago, re-establishing this premium brand as a key player in the contract furniture for senior living sector.”
Ullmann said: “Donna’s arrival comes at an important stage in Shackletons’ growth. She brings with her a wealth of commercial insight which will be beneficial as she takes the leadership team forward.”
Other strategic roles have also been confirmed at the business.
Joseph Ullmann has been appointed commercial director as he continues to lead the sales and marketing departments. Finance director, Mark Harrison, will take on the additional role of operations director.
The company has appointed Chris Woods as head of manufacturing. Woods, previously the manufacturing manager with NaughtOne, joined the firm in June and has already significantly impacted the company’s strategy to invest in local manufacturing.
Bellingham added: “As we move forward, my focus will be on leveraging our strengths, nurturing a culture of excellence, and exploring new avenues of expansion to further strengthen and grow the brand’s position in the market.”
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Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, in Mexborough, has made a key appointment to its management team.
Dean Ainsworth, 27, from Wombwell, has become the new general manager at the leisure centre, which is managed by Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT).
With a career in the leisure industry spanning eight years, Ainsworth began working as a lifeguard at Barnsley Metrodome before taking on a leisure and fitness supervisor role at Your Space Dearneside.
He said: “I’m really enjoying the atmosphere of having a close-knit team on site as well as the footfall of customers with very similar interests to me. I have always enjoyed a wide range of sports and I am into training in the gym, too.
“It’s a great move for my personal career progression as I have always had ambitions to run my own site and this is the perfect opportunity for me to develop myself but also help grow the centre and create a real buzz about it.
“I have dealt with many different challenges throughout my time in the industry including recovering from the pandemic so I feel I can bring this wealth of experience into Dearne Valley and be a positive and upbeat influence on the team.”
Chris Wright, head of leisure at DCLT, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Dean to our DCLT family.
“His enthusiasm and fresh approach is a real asset to us as we look to develop and enhance what Dearne Leisure Centre provides to the local community. It’s an exciting time for the centre and Dean is set to play a key role in our future plans.”
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