People: cap hpi consulting; Harlow Consulting; Fresh Thinking Advisory; and more

Chet Patel has been appointed as a new key account manager for Leeds-based cap hpi’s consulting team.

The role sees him working with fellow team members to help further expand the company’s global reach and assist car manufacturers in developing and accelerating their own new product and expansion plans.

Patel has over 25 years of experience leading sales opportunities across multiple divisions within various industry sectors, ranging from banking and financial services to retail and automotive.

He was previously the head of business development at Credicar Ltd, a new FinTech delivering lending products to the automotive sector, and prior to that, part of the business development team at Experian UK Ltd, where he advised banking, insurance and financial services clients.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity which brings all my key strategic strengths into play in a sector where I’ve got a strong track record of delivering successful outcomes.

“I’m joining a first-rate team that is ideally placed to help OEMs navigate the challenges that the automotive industry presents, providing support ranging from advice on new model design and development through to effective remarketing strategies and residual value optimisation.

“Through ongoing market-leading innovation and a trusted reputation, cap hpi data and insight products can assist OEMs to best equip themselves to deal with a dynamic market sector and effectively plan and manage risk.”

Mark Turnbull, director of OEM and consulting at cap hpi, added: “Chet is a valuable addition to the team bringing over two decades of experience to his new role.

“His multi-sector experience will be hugely beneficial to existing and future clients.

“As a proven expert in building key relationships at the project lead level up to C-suite, he is vastly experienced in working strategically with clients on large-scale transformation projects.”

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Kathryn Purdy. Credit: Charlotte Nelson Photography.

Harlow Consulting, a provider of research and consulting services based in Harrogate, has made two new hires – Kathryn Purdy and Joel Galilee.

The agency has experienced rapid growth since it was founded by Jennifer Brennan and Clare Vokes in 2019, growing from its two directors to a 12-strong staff team.

Its client list includes Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, the NHS, and Innovate UK.

Purdy joins the agency as research and operations director.

Originally from Belfast, she studied Maths at the University of York, before working as a teacher in the city.

After three years, she changed careers and joined the employee research agency, Karian and Box.

During the eight years she worked with the agency, she rose to the position of analysis and reporting director, supporting its growth from a start-up to a 125-strong agency, which was acquired by Ipsos in 2021.

She said: “At Karian and Box, I had a central role, contributing to the agency’s growth and acquisition. When the opportunity at Harlow Consulting arose, I could see it was at a really exciting stage as a business, and offered a fantastic challenge.”

“Harlow Consulting has had year-on-year growth, and built an enviable reputation for the quality of its work, with a strong footprint in the construction, education, and health sectors.

“I’ll be supporting its directors – Clare and Jennifer – to look strategically at the agency’s opportunities to support further sustainable growth and scalability.”

Brennan said: “The combination of Kathryn’s mathematical mind and her expertise promises invaluable insights for us at a crucial time of growth.

“We’re thrilled her skills will support us in taking our agency to the next level. She’s also a great fit with our values and mission, which underpin all our work.”

Galilee joins the agency in an entry role as a researcher.

Originally from York, he studied History at the University of Warwick, before beginning his career at Cambridge University Press and Assessment.

He spent two and half years with the publisher, where he specialised in academic journals, working in sales and editorial roles.

Joel Galilee. Credit: Charlotte Nelson Photography.

He said: “Someone I knew had worked with Harlow Consulting as an associate and had told me how great they were.

“When I looked further into their work, I knew it was the right career path for me.

“As a student of History, I have good attention to detail, love reading, think critically, am curious, and love talking to people – all those qualities aligned to the work of a researcher.”

Vokes said: “Joel’s role will include supporting survey work, field work, and data collection.

“As an entry-level role, there’s a really exciting opportunity for him to grow and develop with the agency and we have high hopes for him.

“Joel is a brilliant addition – he’s enthused, shares our values, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

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Fresh Thinking Advisory is accelerating its growth plans with the appointment of Michael Collins as an associate director.

He joins the business from senior roles across financial consulting, debt funds and banking. He will work with Oliver Reece, managing director.

Collins said: “I join the team at Fresh Thinking Advisory at a time when business owners need help to find and manage funding more than ever.

“We are well-placed to help companies from a diverse range of sectors find the funding they need to grow and to use our decades of experience to help firms negotiate with existing lenders through the current tough market conditions.”

By providing impartial consultancy services, Leeds-based Fresh Thinking Advisory works with businesses looking for a wide range of new secured and unsecured finance options or dealing with current lenders.

The company offers a whole-market service, specialising in corporate funding requirements.

Reece said: “Michael has a broad range of experience, which is critical in the current fragmented debt market.

“Businesses are facing a myriad of challenges, and it’s essential that we build our team with industry-leading talent.”

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Leeds-based Progeny has appointed Tom Wood to the role of chief financial officer.

He brings significant experience to the position, gained throughout his 25-year executive career in regulated financial services and banking.

He has led transformational change and growth in complex, private equity-backed businesses, generating significant shareholder value.

Wood’s executive career includes the role of chief restructuring and financial officer of the Co-Operative Bank plc, (2017-2019) having co-advised on its third recapitalisation.

Prior to this, he was chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Shawbrook Group plc, where he led the business through its successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) and entry into the FTSE 250.

He is also an experienced adviser, investor and independent non-executive director.

Wood said: “I’m pleased to join Neil and the team at this exciting and energising time for Progeny. Progeny is a unique business well positioned to extend its scale and reach. I look forward to contributing to our future success.”

Neil Moles, chief executive officer, said: “We’re very happy to welcome Tom. Having spent time inside the business in an advisory capacity, he’s seen first-hand our ambition and what we’re seeking to achieve and has decided he wants to be a part of it.

“From a CFO of his pedigree and experience, I couldn’t think of a greater accolade for our business.

“Tom’s CV speaks for itself in that he is a highly skilled and strategic operator at this level with a demonstrable track record of success and we’re very excited about what he’ll contribute.”