People: Grant Thornton, Yorkshire Building Society

Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK has appointed Dan Dickinson as its new practice lead for Yorkshire and the North East alongside a series of strategic promotions throughout the region.

Dan is responsible for leading and growing Grant Thornton’s team of 375 based across the firm’s Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle offices. He succeeds Andy Wood, who has relocated to the firm’s Thames Valley office.

A tax partner at Grant Thornton since 2020, Dan brings extensive experience to the role, with around 20years’ market experience in advising multinational enterprises as they expand and operate cross-border, including large, listed enterprises, as well as private equity and privately owned businesses.

Alongside Dan’s appointment, the advisory practice has been further bolstered with three partner promotions. Roger Burton has been promoted to valuations and modelling partner. Roger has over 20 years’ experience in the professional services industry and specialises in the valuations of shares, businesses and intangible assets for tax purposes.

Bob McDermott has been appointed as partner in the transactions advisory Sservices team and will lead the Yorkshire team, working closely with Dan Rosinke, head of national TAS. Bob specialises in providing due diligence advice for corporate and private equity buyers, working with a range of local, national and global businesses, funds and banks.

Jim Whittaker has been appointed as partner designate within the corporate finance team and will officially commence in the role on 1 April. Jim is a stalwart within the region supporting across some of the region’s biggest deals in recent years including two recent strategic acquisitions for global group Daikin Europe and the landmark sale of food waste processing company Brocklesby.

In the tax team, Matt Wilson has been promoted to tax director, while Katy Doherty has also been promoted to audit director.

Dickinson said, “Firstly, congratulations to the team for their promotions which are richly deserved and are a testament to their hard work and high standards, all of which helps deliver results for our client base and continually drive the firm’s agenda forward.

“As the new practice lead, I will strive to build on the region’s tremendous success of recent years, with ambitions and goals for further growth. I look forward to making more exciting announcements for the region throughout 2024, as we continue to heavily invest in our people and their development.”

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Yorkshire Building Society has confirmed Tom Ranger will join as chief finance officer (CFO) later this year.

Tom Ranger

With over 25 years’ experience in financial services, he is currently group treasurer at Santander UK plc, a non-executive director of Santander Financial Services plc, and board and senior officer Santander Financial Services’ Jersey Branch.

Susan Allen, chief executive at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Tom later this year. The Society’s continued financial strength is essential to ensure we continue to deliver on our purpose of delivering Real Help with Real Life. His financial expertise and track record of achievement will be integral to our future growth and success.”

Tom said: “I’m delighted to be joining Yorkshire Building Society and look forward to working for a mutual organisation, owned by its members, and where all decisions can be made in the long-term best interest of its members.”

Tom succeeds Alasdair Lenman, who recently announced his intention to retire in June after seven successful years with the Society. The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

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James Redmayne has joined Zinc Consult  as its new managing director.

Zinc Consult, launched almost a decade ago by former Network Rail colleagues Michael Phillips and Jonathan Blenkey, provides an extensive range of consultancy services with a specialist focus on the rail sector.

James Redmayne

During the past ten years, the Leeds-based firm has expanded its footprint by establishing itself as a northern powerhouse in the industry – with bases in Glasgow, Birmingham and Teesside.

Having joined following an 11 year stint leading the regional rail team for the global consultancy Arcadis, James is confident he can tap into his vast experience to continue Zinc Consult’s rapid growth.

“I’ve known and worked with Zinc Consult for over five years, and over that time I’ve developed a deep trust and respect for the owners and management team, which made joining an easy decision,” said James, who has previously worked in major projects for the likes of Network Rail, London Underground and the National Grid.

“I know the firm’s strengths and I’ve been incredibly impressed with the refreshing workplace culture – everyone within the business has a voice and is listened to.

“This business wants to succeed, and it wants the staff to succeed. My aim is to strengthen the foundations so we can explore new areas and opportunities to do just that.”