People: JR Rix & Sons; Expect Distribution; iSource Group; and more
Hull family business JR Rix & Sons has appointed James Doyle as its new managing director.
Doyle, who joined the company in 2007, takes over the top role from Rix stalwart Rory Clarke, who was been group managing director since 2017.
During his tenure, Clarke has presided over the biggest period of expansion and diversification in the company’s 150 year history.
He will remain as a non-executive director of the business to continue supporting the Board, and to assist the next generation of the Rix family on their ongoing integration.
Tim Rix, chairman and chief executive, paid tribute to Clarke, who officially stepped down on October 1.
He said: “Rory’s story at Rix is a truly inspirational one. He arrived to establish a proper credit control department in 1991 – a gigantic job which was not for the faint-hearted.
“He took on the challenge and thrived which led to his involvement in just about every aspect of the Rix organisation, making sure we got paid.”
In 2003, Clarke was appointed as managing director of Rix Petroleum which he grew from a local supplier into a national business with depots from Grangemouth to the Thames, and from Norfolk across to Cheshire.
As managing director of JR Rix & Sons, he has been instrumental in transforming the group from a traditional family business into a diverse company involved in fuel deliveries, shipping, renewable energy, manufacturing holiday homes, and with a significant property portfolio.
Doyle initially joined the business as managing director of Rix Shipping in 2007.
In 2019, he became chief executive of Victory Leisure Homes and has worked with the Board in managing and developing all aspects of the wider group.
He said: “It is a source of huge personal pride to be taking over the role of managing director. I have worked alongside Rory for many years and I have to say, his are going to be very big shoes to fill.
“I’m taking over the managing director’s role at a highly prosperous point in the company’s history, and much of that is due to Rory’s tremendous contribution over the past 32 years.”
Clarke said he was sad to be stepping down, but was confident the business remained in very safe hands.
He said: “James has been actively involved in the management of the business at group level for a number of years, and is the perfect choice to succeed me.
“I’m looking forward to supporting him and the wider Board in my new role of non-executive director.”
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After over 34 years at the helm of Bradford-based Expect Distribution, commercial director and former owner Neil Rushworth has confirmed he will step down from his current role at the end of 2023.
The company has appointed Bob Duffy as his replacement, marking a new chapter for the distribution and warehousing business.
Expect Distribution’s services includes Palletised Distribution, Warehousing and Contract Logistics.
In January 2022, the firm underwent a significant change in ownership through a management buyout, with Andy Taylor and Matthew Kilner taking over as joint owners.
In a strategic move to ensure seamless business continuation, the majority shareholding held by Robert and Neil Rushworth, who founded the company 34 years ago, had been sold with Rushworth continuing to retain a minority equity in Expect.
Duffy brings with him a wealth of experience in the ambient logistics industry, having served as a sales director and provided solutions for warehousing and distribution for the past 15 years.
He joins from Menzies Distribution, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.
He said: “I’ve known Neil for almost 20 years and have been very much aware of Expect, its growth over that time, and its successes.
“After meeting the rest of the Board and gaining a deeper understanding of the business, it certainly got me thinking about a new challenge and a new journey.
“The family culture, the ambitions of the team and the opportunity to be part of that leveraged me away from Menzies.”
Rushworth said: “When considering my successor, Bob was at the top of the list. I am happy to welcome Bob to the business at this crucial time. We are aiming to exceed 2023’s growth in 2024 and his appointment is a key one in helping us achieve this.
“His exceptional track record, extensive industry knowledge, and innovative approach to leadership make him the ideal candidate to take our company to new heights.
“We are confident that under his guidance, Expect Distribution will continue to thrive and provide cutting-edge solutions to the logistics, distribution and warehousing industry.”
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Daniel Cordwell
iSource Group (iSG), an IT, digital and change management recruitment specialist based in Leeds, has appointed Daniel Cordwell as delivery consultant and promoted Chris Wright and Chris Moseley to delivery team leads.
Previously working at Gravity Active, Cordwell has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps and embark on a career in recruitment.
Having worked with clients in his previous role, he will be using his transferable skills to secure talent for customers and engage with candidates to find them the placements they are looking for.
He said: “I was really pleased to secure a position at iSource Group and to follow the example that was set by my dad.
“I’ve seen how you can progress with your career in the recruitment sector when you work hard. Having that potential is exactly what I was looking for.
“The team have been great, and I look forward to learning more about the job and to securing positions for candidates and talent for our growing list of customers.”
Having joined iSG in 2020 and 2022 respectively, Wright and Moseley have both secured promotions from account managers to delivery team leads. As a result, they will take on more responsibility for the accounts they manage and the recruits that are joining the iSG team.
Moseley said: “I am really looking forward to embracing the responsibility I have been given. Knowing that I will play a part in the progress of the team is really rewarding.”
Wright said: “Securing a promotion is always a cause for celebration but doing it with the support of a team makes it all the more worthwhile. Taking on this new role is a real step forward and I am going to embrace it and show others in the team what is possible when you work hard.”
Managing director Geoff Shepherd added: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Daniel to the team. He’s joining at a great time. Not only are we securing more clients, but the team are progressing too.
“It’s always encouraging to see people do well and to support them as they take the next steps in their career. Chris Wright and Chris Moseley have worked really hard to secure their promotions and it’s great to see them doing so well and to reward their efforts.”
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Leeds-based SmartSearch, a provider of digital compliance solutions, has appointed Julie Green as client services director.
In nearly six years, she has risen through the ranks at the business, starting as client services manager, before progressing to other internal roles to build a broad experience of operations, innovation and people.
Her most recent role was as vice president of business operations.
SmartSearch is witnessing a period of substantial growth, driven by its expansion across all regulated markets such as financial services, accountancy, banking, legal, crypto and property.
With the firm’s client base expanding by more than 80% over the previous five years, the client services director and team will play a key role in sustaining exceptional customer service and solutions to over 6,500 clients.
Green’s role will continue to involve close collaboration with the Go To Market team, and will focus on arming customers with innovative products to combat financial crime.
She said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining the board at SmartSearch, taking on this important role at such an exciting time for the business.
“Our rapid growth is proof of our commitment to delivering innovative digital compliance solutions, paired with outstanding customer service and support.
“Client services has played a pivotal role in shaping our product range and wider business. As we continue to ensure clients are represented on the board, I look forward to working with the team, the board and the wider business to meet and exceed our clients’ needs.”
Collette Allen, chief operating officer, said: “I congratulate and welcome Julie to the board. With her wealth of experience across the business, she will be a strong advocate for our customers as we deliver solutions to fight against money laundering and financial crime.
“It is an exciting time to be part of SmartSearch, furthered by our recent recognition as a top 100 ‘Great Place to Work’ in financial services.
“Her internal appointment is testament to the culture we’ve built here, one that values innovation, service, and the growth and development of our team members.”
