People: University of Leeds; Double Tree by Hilton Sheffield City; and more

Professor Shearer West has been appointed as vice-chancellor and president of the University of Leeds, taking up the role from 1 November 2024.

She is currently president and vice-chancellor at the University of Nottingham, a role she has held since 2017.

She said: “I am honoured to be joining Leeds as its 14th vice-chancellor. I know that I am building on very firm foundations and feel extremely privileged to have been chosen to be part of an institution that is known for its global outlook, outstanding research, and commitment to an exceptional experience for its students.

“I am a strong believer in the value of a comprehensive university like Leeds that makes new discoveries across the full disciplinary spectrum and fosters different ways of thinking.

“Its values-led strategy aligns with my own leadership philosophy and view of higher education – to benefit society, the economy and quality of life for people at regional, national, and global levels.

“I must thank Professor Hai-Sui Yu for his continued excellent stewardship of the university as interim vice-chancellor and president.”

Professor Hai-Sui Yu will continue in role until 31 October 2024, when he will revert to his substantive role as provost and deputy vice-chancellor and provost having led the university for a year.

Welcoming Professor West to Leeds, chair of council Alastair Da Costa said: “Professor West has demonstrated the strategic vision, personal energy, and extensive leadership experience to guide our institution into the next phase of its success.

“She has an innate understanding for how the highest quality research, innovation and student education can support a dynamic global outlook alongside an impactful contribution to our region and the communities that live within it.

“I would also like to thank Professor Hai-Sui Yu who has led our institution and community throughout the intervening period with incredible skill, energy, and diplomacy.

“He has reinvigorated our approach to research, student education, staff engagement and strategic change and set the conditions for further success.”

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Michelle Wildman has been appointed director of sales for the soon-to-be-opened Double Tree by Hilton Sheffield City.

She brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector. Her new role will see her leading on strategic sales across accommodation, meetings and events.

The hotel, next to Sheffield United Football Club on Bramall Lane, is expected to open late summer.

It will feature 155 guest rooms and suites, meeting and event facilities, a fitness centre, and a restaurant and bar.

Wildman started her career in Berkshire where she discovered a passion for sales and hospitality.

She then moved back north and was part of the opening team at the Premier Inn on Angel Street in Sheffield in 2003.

Her journey in the hotel industry has taken her to Hilton as area sales manager, where she covered Hilton Leeds City and Hilton Bradford.

In 2014, she opened the Hampton by Hilton Sheffield on West Bar, where she led the sales team for over five years before moving on to Mercure Sheffield St Paul’s in 2019.

Commenting on her new role said: “I just love the city. The dynamic growth is so exciting to see having seen the landscape change so much over 21 years.

“My position here in Sheffield allows us to unlock new business opportunities and ensure our hotel is the top choice for guests travelling to the area, for business and leisure alike.”

“The business community, and other hoteliers alike, are like a big family. There is an amazing network who are always there to support, connect and recommend you.

“I am very much looking forward to the hotel opening soon and welcoming guests to our fantastic venue.”

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Chris Hockin has been appointed director of business development at global ad tech business, The Trade Desk.

He brings 15 years of experience in the advertising technology sector to his new role after previously working as a senior seller at American technology Quantcast and head of programmatic at Wavemaker.

He has also worked overseas having spent four years in Sydney as an operations director for Amnet.

In his latest role he will be responsible for servicing and scaling new business opportunities for The Trade Desk’s clients in key markets in the Northern region of the UK including Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.