People: GFG Alliance; SALT.agency; ilk agency; and more

GFG Alliance, the owner of Liberty Steel, has appointed global steel industry executive Sandip Biswas as Group chief investment officer.

He will be responsible for delivering sustained commercial and investment performance, playing a key role in supporting the group’s debt restructuring and transformation plans, areas in which he has deep expertise.

He will also lead GFG’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2030, applying his strong track record in developing decarbonisation projects.

Biswas joins from Tata Steel where for 17 years he held senior and board level positions in its important JVs and subsidiaries, including group executive vice president, finance, for Tata Steel Limited, where he oversaw the group’s financing strategies, including capital structure, mergers and acquisitions and capital raising activities.

In July 2019 he became Tata Steel Europe’s executive director responsible for driving the company’s transformation programme and was appointed to the board.  Most recently he was the chairman of Tata Steel UK.

Biswas said: “GFG’s growth trajectory and the group’s focus on GREENSTEEL transformation puts it in a unique position in our industry.

“The group has some excellent assets across the world which are performing exceptionally well and provide a solid platform for success. The next few years will be formative for the group as it completes its restructuring and transformation.”

Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman, GFG Alliance, said: “Sandip is a top-notch global steel executive of the highest calibre.

“His deep experience as a financial strategist, and his expertise in major steel decarbonisation projects will be crucial to our future success as we put the business on a path for sustainable long-term growth.”

:::

Leeds-based SALT.agency has invested in a Learning & Development department to help support career progression within the SEO industry.

This will involve training individuals to expand their skill set, driving them upward on the industry ladder.

Billie Geena Hyde has joined the team to lead this programme full-time, as learning & development manager at SALT.agency.

She said: “I am beyond excited to be joining SALT.agency as the learning and development manager. There has been so much growth in SEO (and digital marketing) over the last few years. I am very proud and excited that I’ll be helping with that growth by running the training department here.”

Natasha Woodford, MD and head of recruitment at clockworkTalent, said: “Since the pandemic, there’s been a surging uplift in demand for quality SEO skills, as successful brands look to achieve sustainable organic growth. 80% of our jobs hired in quarter one 2022 have been SEO focused.

“In recognition of demand outrunning supply, in what’s become a candidate-driven market, there is pressure on sourcing quality talent, as well as a long-term need for significant investment in accelerated training of future talent.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with SALT.agency, putting these exact measures in place by recruiting a dedicated learning & development manager, Billie.”

Reza Moaiandin, co-founder and technical director at SALT.agency, added: “By bringing Billie into this role, we believe we will vastly allow our vision to grow a strong, inclusive, and engaging team to go even further.

“Through challenging our learning and development strategy, we are creating a deeper emotional and cognitive learning transfer, allowing individuals with existing knowledge or new to SEO to build their careers on solid foundations. This is a fundamental step in the industry to remain ahead of the curve.”

:::

Leeds-based agency, ilk, is celebrating recent growth with two new additions across its Creative and PR & Social departments.

Beth Riley joins the PR and Social team as a PR & social media manager.

Having graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Leeds in 2019, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and over four year’s experience in communications.

Arriving from sleep brand OTTY, her previous role spanned responsibilities across Content, PR and Social Media. As part of her new role, she will be responsible for managing multiple PR accounts, including Visit Leeds and The Residence Collection.

Stepping into the Creative Accounts team, Patsy Atkinson joins as a creative account executive.

With qualifications in both photography and graphic design, she comes from a creative background where she has photographed for a variety of events, including weddings, and also has experience with managing financial accounts.

Since joining ilk, Patsy has been responsible for managing creative briefs from the agency’s portfolio of clients, including ABP and Diablo.

Nev Ridley, managing director, said: “Beth and Patsy’s combined expertise will strengthen our service offering to our growing portfolio of clients, and we’re extremely excited to have them join the team.

“I’m certain they will both make a really positive impact on the quality of work that we deliver for our clients across the board.”

:::

Sharon Burton, from Elland, has been appointed by New Care as registered home manager of Adel Manor, located on Otley Road.

The £15m 74-bed care facility will open in April, offering residential, nursing and dementia care services.

Burton, who has enjoyed a successful career in the health sector, is well qualified to lead the 80 plus team at Adel Manor.

A qualified nurse with an advanced nurse practitioner degree, diploma in management studies and MBA, she has worked in the NHS as well as private hospitals, hospices and social care.

For 20 years she has held director positions in Nursing, Governance, Business Development and Home Commissioning, whilst more recently, she managed two complex care nursing homes in West Yorkshire.

In her new role, she will be responsible for the efficient day-to-day management of Adel Manor, monitoring performance and ensuring all staff deliver high quality care to residents.

Burton said: “I am fiercely passionate about the highest standards of care for those lives we are fortunate enough to be part of and believe New Care shares that very same vision.

“I have watched Adel Manor progress from a building site to a stunning care home.

“It’s an extremely rewarding role to open a home from the start and see it grow. It gives a huge sense of achievement, and I am looking forward to opening the doors of Adel Manor and welcoming our first residents next month.”

Chris McGoff, CEO at New Care, added: “Sharon’s experience and knowledge is exceptional, and I am fully confident that she, together with the team, will enrich the lives of all residents at Adel Manor.”