Appointments: University of Leeds; Bevan Brittan; DB3; B Braun

Nexus director Dr Martin Stow has been appointed to a new Pro Vice-Chancellor position at the University of Leeds.

He will be responsible for business engagement and enterprise across the university.

Stow has led the university’s innovation hub, Nexus, since its launch five years ago. It is now seen as a key part of the city’s innovation and business growth story.

“Working with Nexus I have seen the significant impact which can be made through collaborative innovation between the academic community, entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses,” said Stow.

“As part of the University’s extensive programme of business out-reach, that positive impact benefits both society and the economy.

“I’m looking forward to widening my remit across the University to help further develop and expand its work with businesses and entrepreneurs as part of its vision to positively shape our world and reduce inequalities.”

Gareth Scargill will take on the role of interim director of Nexus when Martin moves to his new role in July, having joined as deputy director earlier this year.

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Ellie Staniforth, Bevan Brittan

Bevan Brittan has announced five promotions in its Leeds office.

The promotions are mainly in the firm’s property department, where Ellie Staniforth has made senior associate, while Fallon O’Mahony, Sherrie Roberts and Eleanor Smith all become associates.

Adrian Webb has also been promoted to associate in the commercial and infrastructure department.

The changes in Leeds are part of a national round which has seen 28 people promoted.

Lyndon Campbell, head of Bevan Brittan’s Leeds office, said: “Our Leeds office is going from strength to strength, and we’ve seen increasing demand for our property services in particular.”

The promotions build on 31 senior lateral hires, including four new partners, at the law firm.

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Tom Hill and Julius Steinert, DB3

Architecture and engineering consultancy DB3 Group has created two regional managing director roles as part of changes in the wake of becoming an employee-owned business six months ago.

Tom Hill has become managing director for the North, including the firm’s Leeds head office, and Julius Steinert will be responsible for the South. DB3 has seven studios across England, Scotland and Wales.

DB3 Group chief executive Nathan McNamara said: “Being in a position to make these strategic changes gives us confidence in the future of DB3. We have ambitious growth plans and I look forward to working with the team in their new roles.”

Hill, who will also oversee the Manchester and Glasgow offices, added: “As we advance the business and work to achieve our 2030 objectives, I feel really positive about the opportunities we have and the team we’ve built to support our growth.”

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Michael Parden, B Braun

Sheffield medtech B. Braun Medical has appointed Michael Parden as its UK managing director.

Parden has worked for the B. Braun Group for more than 20 years, and most recently ran B. Braun’s Aesculap business division and took over the responsibility for the B. Braun Compounding Aseptic Unit in 2021.

He said: “To have been given the opportunity to lead this great company, which employs over 1400 people in the UK, is one that I am immensely proud of.

“My vision is for the company to be seen as a flagship employer in the region and we therefore attract and retain the best people. I want each employee to have the same pride working for B. Braun which I have had throughout my career with the company and for them to understand how our products and services make a difference to those who use them.”

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