People: DLA Piper; G3; and more
Global law firm DLA Piper has appointed Simon Tingle as a senior associate to its Litigation and Regulatory practice in Leeds.
His appointment will complement the comprehensive Yorkshire offering and further strengthen the UK and International Regulatory practice.
Tingle has over five years’ experience in providing strategic advice and support in respect of regulatory investigations and enforcement.
He has a particular focus on the manufacturing, transport and consumer goods, food and retail sectors.
He said: “I am delighted to join DLA Piper and I am looking forward to contributing towards the growth of the Leeds team by supporting new and existing clients both locally and on a wider scale.”
Head of the Leeds Litigation and Regulatory team, Adam Ibrahim, added: “It is brilliant to welcome Simon to the team.
“I have no doubt his experience will serve to complement and strengthen our team’s local, national and international practice.
“Following the recent promotions of Sohail Ali (partner) and Rachel Tookey (legal director), Simon’s appointment further demonstrates our commitment to investing in the best local talent.”
Teresa Hitchcock, the firm’s international head of safety, health, environment & product liability based in Sheffield, said: “This important hire adds strength and depth to the team not only in the local market but in our international offering.
“Leeds is an important focus for our global expertise and Simon has a great part to play in our strategic development.”
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Yorkshire automotive specialist, G3 Vehicle Auctions, has this week confirmed the strengthening of its position in the market by appointing a new board of directors alongside a Group general manager.
They will oversee the company’s next phase of growth plans, following its move to a new £12m purpose-built auction facility.
Joining the team as chief financial officer is Rob Argyle who has more than 14 years of experience in multi-site FMCG operations, the last seven years of which serving as finance director.
He adds a depth of financial services knowledge alongside a wealth of experience in worldwide mergers and acquisitions.
Also joining the newly formed board are two internal promotions. Firstly, Nick Thompson has been elevated to sales director on the back of an initial 12 months at G3 as divisional director.
During that time, he has assisted with the successful launch of the 14-acre G3 Castleford centre.
He previously held senior corporate sales team and business development positions within leading auction companies for over 10 years.
Similarly, Gareth Jones has been appointed to the board as digital director following three years as the marketing manager at G3, and more than 14 years in senior marketing and digital-focused positions.
Jones will work closely with the IT and sales departments to co-ordinate the rollout and develop of G3’s new SaaS products and solutions specifically designed to improve the customer journey, whilst generating further revenue capitalisation opportunities.
To further strengthen the senior management team, Brett Henderson has been appointed Group general manager to introduce and enhance processes across G3’s two physical auction centres and 35 smart hubs.
He previously held national and group operations roles across several nationwide auction companies for the last 10 years.
G3 co-owner, Matt Dale, said: “We have invested significantly over the last 18 months, starting with the development and launch of our new auction centre in Castleford, and now continuing the theme with these high-profile additions to our senior management team.
“The creation of a new board will enable my co-director, Amanda Holtby and myself to assume a more strategic position to help drive the growth plans over the next three years.
“I am very confident the new management structure we now have in place will inspire us to deliver on these objectives.
“With a number of key vendor additions to announce in the next few weeks alongside significant investments in new auction solutions, G3 will continue to lead from the front in our industry.”
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A manufacturer of windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products has kick-started a major digital transformation project with the appointment of a new Group head of IT.
Conservatory Outlet Group, which employs over 400 people across it 60,000 sq ft factory in Wakefield and retail businesses Clearview and Pennine Home Improvements, has recruited Craig Schmidt to help it strengthen productivity in its manufacturing operations and enhance the level of customer support it provides.
The 45-year-old, who boasts extensive experience in implementing business transformation changes across multiple industries, joins the team during an ambitious growth period that has seen it expand from £8m of sales in 2011 to £48m this year.
He will help develop product and service innovations by harnessing the power of IT and digital systems, which will make the firm’s customer journeys more memorable and support its 27-strong network of home improvement retailers across the UK.
Schmidt, who moved from his native South Africa to the UK in December 2020, said: “These are exciting times for the group as we look to target £50m of sales within the next 18 months.
“Digital transformation is happening across every sector and one of my roles will be to identify how we can bring in new technologies to initially support the manufacturing operation and then all areas of our business.
“This isn’t just investment for investment’s sake, but about how we can use IT to improve the way we manufacture products and how we manage our supply chain.
“During a time when we are all facing extreme challenges – not only on a business front but also in our personal lives – the team remains dedicated to improving service levels. I hope to be of real value moving forward.”
