People: Appointment to co-ordinate North’s transport investment; New faces at Finance and Insurance tech specialist; Director confirmed at recruitment agency; and more

A senior leader who has overseen transformation of London’s transport network is set to join Transport for the North to coordinate investment across the region.

David Hughes, who will join Transport for the North as Director of Strategy and Programme in 2020, has spent the last 15 years in senior roles at Transport for London. (TfL)

He will draw on his experience in the capital, where his roles have most recently included Investment Delivery Planning Director, where he planned all aspects of TfL’s multi-billion capital investment programme.

Returning to the North, he will have oversight of the delivery of some of the North’s most high-profile projects. He will lead on driving forward the Northern Infrastructure Pipeline – a list of road and rail schemes advocated by the North’s leaders including major projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Barry White, Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said: “There’s never been a time when the future of transport and investment in the North of England has been as high on the national agenda. A perfect time for someone with David’s experience to join us.

“David has forged successful partnerships right across the capital, leading the delivery of multi-billion investment programmes and co-ordinating major projects such as Crossrail.

“He’s been instrumental in driving a step-change in London’s transport network – a change that we too want to see for the passengers of the North. His knowledge and experience will be critical in making a commanding case to Government to level-up our economy.”

Having grown up in Sunderland and attended university in Liverpool, David went to work for the UK Ministry of Defence, Deloitte and the BBC before joining TfL in 2004.

During his time with TfL he has held various roles including Director of Strategy and Network Development for the London Underground, and Chief of Staff of Surface Transport, as well as leading the client team for the multi-billion Crossrail project as Director of Crossrail Joint Sponsor Team.

Hughes said: “Heading home to the North, I can’t think of another role that I’d relish more right now. The North’s leaders have made clear their joint ambition for more investment in the transport network and a greater say over how that is delivered.

“The North is in a commanding position to shape its own future, one that propels the economy and delivers more opportunities for communities. I’m looking forward to playing my part in making that vision a reality.

Hughes will take up the role in February 2020.

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James Barr

Leeds-based automotive F&I technology specialist DealTrak welcomed four new faces to the team last month, which add to the nine appointments and promotions announced in June.

Integrated with 200 partners and counting – and with a new interface currently in development alongside international software engineering firm, Godel Technologies – the Leeds tech hub announced the creation of 18 new positions earlier this year, with 13 of those now filled.

Looking to bolster its in-house expertise, the company’s newest Business Development Managers, Mark Hayter (North East) and Victoria Dowdall (North West) will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing existing relationships, as well as growing the sales pipeline by ensuring additional accounts are on-boarded.

With a solid automotive background, Dowdall spent 12 years at DSG Group working across several departments – including the Connected Car Finance division – before switching to an IT-based role linking tech distributors and resellers to finance.

Bringing 20 years of experience in the automotive and software sectors, Hayter’s CV includes work for Glass’s Guide, SG Petch and CDK Global. This wealth of knowledge of the industry should help achieve his target of increasing DealTrak’s footprint across the North East and Scotland.

Edward Duffield has also joined the team as a Client Services Representative, to assist with the strengthening of the department. He draws upon over nine years of working within the financial sector – both in banking and the stock market.

Finally, Rachel Aldridge has come on board as an Account Manager for customers based in the Midlands. With automotive and finance industry knowledge spanning over 20 years, she hopes to see existing relationships flourish alongside attracting new platform users.

Alongside the new faces, relative newcomer James Barr – who joined the company as a Business Development Manager earlier this year – has been promoted to Head of Sales.

Barr said: “I’m delighted to be progressing my career with DealTrak – it’s testament to the trust the brand places in its people.

“The latest raft of appointments highlights that we are committed to bringing further expertise to the firm and making DealTrak stronger through collective understanding and knowledge of the sector.

“Mark, Victoria, Rachel and Edward will each ensure we continue to deliver a first class service and solutions to our clients. It’s also another example of the business appointing the best in class as we continue to grow and plan for the future.”

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Scarborough-based recruitment agency Castle Employment has confirmed the promotion of Anna Wilson to the role of Director.

Wilson started with Castle nearly 15 years ago. Her early experience covered a variety of sectors, until more recently she moved to specialise in managing the Education, Marketing, Customer Service and Office Support divisions.

She has been instrumental in the growth of the business, having helped establish and strategically grow a variety of the firm’s current divisions.

Her progression to Director comes during a key stage in Castle’s growth. With an increased headcount at the business she brings a wealth of recruitment experience and passion for success.

Wilson will be instrumental in building on the firm’s reputation among clients and candidates and intends to remain very “hands on” in recruiting, while overseeing the Castle team and the day-to-day running of the growing business.

Commenting on her promotion, Kerry Hope, who has been Managing Director at Castle since 2017, said: “I am thrilled Anna has achieved her director targets. Anna lives and breathes Castle values and has achieved so much in her 15-year career. She is instrumental in driving the business forward and I look forward to working even closer with her in the continued success of Castle.”

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Payment technology specialist Yorkshire Payments has appointed Melissa Simons as Head of Operations, as the company looks to double turnover to £4m by the end of 2020.

Simons has joined the business following her role as Business Director for Client Operations and Health and Safety at JYL London, whose parent company is Menzies Distribution.

She will oversee the operational management of all departments at the pay-tech firm’s Brighouse head office, implementing and streamlining operational processes for the company’s technical, applications and customer relations teams.

Simons will also support health and safety compliance at the company’s 6,000 square foot head office in Brighouse.

She said: “I am excited to join Yorkshire Payments during a period of significant growth and look forward to building on operational processes to ensure our clients continue to receive a professional service as the business continues to grow.”

James Howard, Managing Director at Yorkshire Payments, added: “Mel brings with her a wealth of experience in business operations and I look forward to working closely with her to continuously improve policies and procedures that will benefit both our team and clients.”