Appointments: Law firm hires ex-Irwin Mitchell equity partner; Manufacturer recruits FD; Law Society president announced
ANDREW DARKE, formerly an equity partner with Irwin Mitchell, has joined Simpson Millar as director of partner distribution.
After 25 years with Irwin Mitchell, Mr Darke will focus on developing Simpson Millar’s portfolio of partner distributors across a broad range of sectors, including banking, insurance, retail, trade union, utilities, employee assistance programs and chambers of commerce.
He will also be responsible for developing closer relationships with the charities and support groups the firm already has links with.
“I have watched Simpson Millar diversify its range of services in recent years, and the investment by Fairpoint was a hugely positive indication that this is a firm gearing up for the future. The will to evolve is backed by sound financial investment; a very attractive combination. The directors at Simpson Millar are agile in their decision making and flexible in their approach to business partners. It is this ‘light on our feet’ approach that really appeals.”
Simpson Millar’s managing director, Peter Watson, said: “The fact that someone of Andrew’s calibre is joining Simpson Millar is testament to the strong foundation we have laid. We continue to build momentum; growing the business and diversifying our range of services.
“Andrew brings an enormous amount of credibility to this job. His experience in building links with affinity partners is extensive. He knows that success is achieved by getting things right for consumers and tailoring service packages that are attractive to our business partners.”
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WINDER POWER, the manufacturer of power and distribution transformers, has recruited Andy Mill as finance director.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role, including sectoral expertise gleaned from senior roles within companies such as PwC, Lexia Solutions Group and the Andrew Page Group.
Currently the finance director at Earthmill Holdings, Mr Mill qualified as a chartered accountant in 2005, training with Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants in Belfast and London.
Laurence MacKenzie, group MD of Winder Power said: “We are delighted to have someone with Andy’s experience and expertise joining the team at Winder Power. Andy brings with him unrivalled senior experience that we believe will be invaluable to the company, and we see him as someone who will help us considerably as we continue to grow and develop the business.”
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SUE HARRIS of Walker Morris has been announced as the president of the Leeds Law Society.
Ms Harris, who takes over the role from Colin Gilbert, is a director in the construction and engineering group at Walker Morris and becomes the first Walker Morris employee to be president of the Society.
She said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed as president and I am eagerly anticipating my new role. Having been on the Leeds Law Society board since 2014 I understand the important role the Society plays in communicating the thoughts and ideas from members to ensure the profession stays effective for our clients and society as a whole.
“I’m particularly looking forward to the Leeds Legal Walk for Justice for the PSU, which is a great cause and which I have nominated as the president’s charity of the year. PSU has an extremely important role helping vulnerable people, including the elderly, without legal representation and/or knowledge of the system, with trained volunteers providing independent assistance for free.”
