People: Portakabin; Chameleon Business Interiors; and more

York-headquartered modular building company, Portakabin, has added three new leaders to its executive team.

With the recent acquisition of healthcare specialist Darwin Group, the business says it is making serious inroads in asserting pressure on other players in the modular market.

Dan Ibbetson, CEO, said: “There are many elements required to not only make a business successful but to also make it a great place to work; a clearly defined strategy, excellent governance and amazing people certainly helps.

“Gavin, Simon and Kim are the final pieces in the puzzle for us and I’m incredibly excited to see where they’re going to take us.”

Kim Panton joined in August 2022 as people and culture director from Rolls-Royce where she has spent the past 20 plus years working with one of the world’s most reputable brands.

Her strategic HR skillset has ranged across the group’s business units and brings considerable experience in people and organisational development.

She said: “Portakabin is a fantastic business with brilliant people and represents an exciting new challenge for me.

“I’m happy to have joined the team and I’m looking forward to supporting the organisation as it grows and develops.”

Simon Thomson joined in January 2023 as company secretary and general counsel from Aggreko and has become a strategic partner to stakeholders both within the legal function and throughout the wider organisation.

He added: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of this organisation; it has a fantastic heritage, and our people strike the right balance between being commercially minded and customer focused.

“I’m looking forward to realising the outstanding potential for future growth and success with Portakabin.”

Gavin Urwin joined in March 2023 as chief financial officer from Smart Metering Systems PLC (SMS) and brings considerable experience of working within both PLC and family-owned businesses along with his ability to manage multiple stakeholder groups.

He said: “There’s never been a better time to join a market leading brand name such as Portakabin.

“It’s a growing and ambitious business, both in the UK and Europe, has fantastic people working for it and I’m happy to be part of its future.”

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Karen Adams has joined Chameleon Business Interiors as the company’s newest business development manager, bringing 15 years’ experience to her new role.

Working across Yorkshire – and beyond – since 1998, Chameleon has delivered projects for A-SAFE and BusinessWatch, as well as currently working on Leeds Beckett University.

Adams will be adding to the business development team in Yorkshire, looking to increase the portfolio of clients in the region.

She said: “I’ve always worked in business development and have developed a specialism in commercial property, so I’m happy to join the team at Chameleon and use my industry knowledge to support the company’s growth.

“Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked with numerous organisations within the interiors sector and it’s an area that’s always interested me.

“So, when I heard about the business development role opportunity at Chameleon, I jumped at the chance.

“Having now met the whole team, I know it’s a good fit. I’m looking forward to expanding the company’s reach further across Yorkshire and supporting potential clients with workspace designs, fit-outs, refurbishments, new build developments and more.”

Shaun Watts, chairman, added: “I’m really pleased to welcome Karen to the team. She has lots of valuable experience and a real understanding of clients’ needs and expectations – so, I’m confident she’ll be a real asset.

“It’s an exciting time to join a design led interiors company. The traditional office model has evolved post-Covid and this evolution has brought with it a lot of creative opportunities.

“More and more, companies are adopting a hybrid working pattern and the workspace needs to reflect this, giving staff complete flexibility and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues easily.

“Karen will be working with our team of experts in supporting clients make this transition and providing advice and guidance on how to make the best use out of their space.”

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A care home in Hull which specialises in the provision of dementia care has appointed a new manager.

With a strong background in health and social care, Joycelyn Tsekpo brings a wealth of experience to Wilton Lodge, having worked extensively in both the NHS and the social care sector for over 15 years.

She has progressed through various positions during her career, including senior care assistant and deputy manager.

Most recently, she was the manager of Alderson House Care Home in Bridlington.

Terry Peel, CEO of HICA Group, which owns and manages Wilton Lodge, said: “We are thrilled to have Joycelyn join us as the new manager at Wilton Lodge.

“Her extensive background in the social care sector, combined with her passion for making a difference in people’s lives, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.

“With her leadership, we are confident Wilton Lodge will continue to thrive and provide exceptional care to our residents.”

Tsekpo, who has lived in Hull for 20 years, said: “I chose to come to Wilton Lodge because of the genuine passion shown by the team and the organisation as a whole.

“HICA Group’s commitment to valuing people over profit aligns with my own beliefs, and I am eager to contribute to an organisation that strives to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“The diverse career opportunities within HICA, along with the benefits for both employees and residents, were also appealing.

“It’s not just a job here; it feels like working with family, and I am proud to be part of such a dedicated and talented team.”