People: BlackDice; Frame; Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce; and more

Cyber security firm BlackDice has appointed Paul Jenkins to the newly created role of chief information security officer (CISO).

Jenkins previously played a key role in the formation of BlackDice in 2019 as co-founder, and has returned to the business to focus on its next stage of growth in a combined role as CISO and data protection officer (DPO).

He brings a wealth of experience and a renewed commitment to driving innovation and growth.

He most recently served as the chief technology officer for Leeds City Council and NHS West Yorkshire ICB, and previously held senior roles at companies such as IBM, Capita, EMIS, Arcadis and CallCredit.

At BlackDice he will assume responsibility for safeguarding the company’s information assets, managing cyber risk, and implementing robust security measures to protect the company’s customers and their data.

Paul Hague, CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to have Paul back on board. His combined expertise and leadership will fortify our commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions and ensure that our customers’ sensitive data remains secure.

“We look forward to Paul’s invaluable contributions in advancing our company’s purpose to build trust in a connected world, and driving success in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.”

Jenkins will be based at the company’s new UK headquarters in Leeds.

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West Yorkshire-based technology and data science business, Frame, has added to its Consultancy team after appointing two new data scientists.

The firm’s Consultancy arm helps companies leverage AI to drive growth via a range of core services including computer vision and generative AI, price modelling and forecasting, customer behaviour analysis, custom LLMs and AI training.

The first new starter is Maja Dobrowolska. She has just graduated from Leeds Beckett University after completing a BEng (Hons) in Robotics and Automation Engineering.

Her new role will see her conduct data analysis and develop predictive models using Python while maintaining databases. She will also produce technical documentation for client projects.

She said: “Frame is a dynamic and fast-growing company so working as a data scientist within the Consultancy team is a fantastic opportunity, especially as it works with such a diverse range of clients operating in different sectors.

“This will help to broaden my skillset while the continuous learning that is on offer will ensure I stay ahead of the latest technology trends for the benefit of the business and our clients.”

Dobrowolska is joined by Tuba Shamim. Shamim’s key responsibilities will be centred around data collection and analysis as well as developing, maintaining and monitoring models.

This will include applying machine learning techniques to develop forecasting models and monitoring their ongoing performance.

Shamim is a recent graduate of the University of Huddersfield where she studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Software Engineering.

During her time at university, she was a learner support and content developer for the University of Huddersfield’s AI Digital Skills Bootcamp. She also worked as a research assistant on a QAA project.

She said: “I am pleased to have joined Frame as I share the team’s commitment to versatility and innovation in the field of data science.

“Aligning myself with an organisation that values adaptability and delivering high-quality work is both inspiring and motivating.”

Liam Fulton, CTO and co-founder of Frame, added: “Over the past year, the Consultancy team has gone from strength-to-strength, so Maja and Tuba’s appointments are fantastic news as we prepare ourselves for more growth.

“They are both highly talented data scientists, and I am confident they will deliver amazing work for our clients and help to inspire their colleagues.”

The appointments follow the recent news that Frame hit the £1m turnover milestone nine months ahead of its own predictions. It has also partnered with Leeds Beckett University on a new digital skills course

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The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce has appointed Kay Hudson as its new membership and marketing executive, following the retirement of Chamber stalwart Janice Harrison in July.

Hudson has more than 25 years’ experience working in both private and public sector organisations.

She has worked in numerous sectors, including inward investment and economic development, healthcare, education, legal, luxury retail, property, sports, military, tourism and leisure, agriculture and food and energy and renewables.

Alongside David Hooper, external affairs and membership director and Northern Lincolnshire manager, Anne Tate, she will be helping to create a Chamber Events Diary for 2024 to support the region’s businesses, keeping them informed of new opportunities and helping them flourish in the Humber region.

She said: “I was thrilled to be invited to join the Chamber team and I’m already enjoying my new role. There’s a lot to learn and I’m looking forward to putting my skills and knowledge to good use for the Chamber’s members.”

Hooper added: “I am happy to welcome Kay to the Chamber, she has a strong skill set and some great ideas for some different events and she is already proving to be a valuable asset to our team.”

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Train operator, Northern, has appointed Paul Headon as its new head of service planning.

He joins the organisation on 29 August and will have overall responsibility for the train operator’s timetable of more than 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

He previously served as head of timetable strategy for TransPennine Express.

Headon said: “I’m excited to join Northern and get stuck in with the team to deliver a timetable that works for our customers.

“As the second largest train operator in the UK, Northern has an important role to play in keeping the North of England on the move.”

Rob Warnes, strategic development director at Northern, said: “Timetable planning at this level is nothing short of a work of art – and like actual art, everyone has an opinion.

“Paul has amazing experience in this field and will make a huge contribution to our executive leadership team.”