People: Appleyard Lees and Henry Boot
Bobby Smithson, partner at Leeds and Halifax-based intellectual property law firm Appleyard Lees, has been appointed the firm’s managing partner, effective from 1 January 2024.
He brings a wealth of experience, having been an integral part of Appleyard Lees since joining the firm in 2002 and the partnership in 2009.
Smithson said: “I am honoured to take on the role of managing partner at Appleyard Lees.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me by my fellow partners and am committed to continue the great work that David has started alongside our CEO and senior management team.
“I also look forward to working with our skilled team of IP professionals in continuing to deliver excellent client service.”
David Clark, who has served as the firm’s managing partner for the preceding two and a half years, said: “I am thrilled to pass the baton to Bobby. His commitment to continuous improvement makes him the perfect choice to lead the firm.
“I am confident that under Bobby’s guidance Appleyard Lees will thrive.”
Smithson holds additional supervisory roles within the firm, including leading its equality, diversity and inclusivity initiatives.
He is a signatory to the IP Inclusive Leaders pledge and has been an active member of the Senior Leaders’ Diversity Think Tank since its inception.
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Sheffield-headquartered property developer, Henry Boot, has appointed Talita Ferreira as a non-executive director with effect from 1 January 2024.
On appointment, she will be a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee and the Responsible Business Committee.
She will take over from Joanne Lake as chair of the Audit and Risk Committee from 1 September 2024.
Ferreira is currently a non-executive director and chair of the Audit Committee of FCE Bank plc.
Until 31 December 2023, she will also continue as a non-executive director of Tandem Bank Ltd and Tandem Money Ltd, where she was also chair of the Audit Committee up to November 2023.
A chartered accountant, she has extensive finance, risk and governance experience.
She brings a wide range of leadership, people and strategic expertise to the Board from previous executive roles and her current role as CEO and founder of Authentic Change Solutions Ltd, a management consultancy supporting leaders and organisations to transform leadership mindset and drive culture and change management.
Previously, she was the chief financial officer of BMW UK Ltd and BMW Automotive Ireland Ltd, chief financial officer of BMW Financial Services Ltd (UK and Ireland) and held roles with Investec Bank and KPMG South Africa.
Peter Mawson, Henry Boot chair, said: “Following a thorough selection process, we are happy to welcome Talita to the Board.
“Her depth of leadership expertise, understanding of the audit and risk environment, and her passion for people and business culture will be particularly invaluable.
“I am also pleased that we have made important progress against our diversity targets and will look to make further improvements as part of our ongoing board succession programme.”
