People: Airedale Group; Stephenson Personal Care; B Braun Medical; and more

Chemical specialist, Airedale Group, has appointed an operations director to steer and oversee the department as it continues to enjoy organic growth and eye future acquisitions.

Adrian Bevan joins from nuclear industry supplier, Urenco Chemplants, with almost 40 years of experience in the chemical industry, replacing former operations director, Dan Fox, who retired earlier this year after 24 years at the business. 

Bevan said: “I am looking forward to developing and implementing a strategy with the operations department which not only reflects the development needs and objectives of the business and its people, but also meets with stringent regulatory responsibilities. 

“Having spent my career working with many different chemical processes I have developed a strong technical knowledge but have also invested time into developing leadership qualities to support and get the best out of people.”

His remit will include responsibility for the company’s production facilities and processes; regulatory, quality and technical departments; NPD laboratories and warehouses; site maintenance and project management; and liaising with external agencies such as the HSE. 

Richard Ward, managing director, said: “Adrian’s experience in the chemical industry is outstanding and he also has invaluable skills in emergency planning and regulatory intervention which made him the ideal candidate to step into the role.”

Bevan added: “I’m looking forward to using my experience to introduce different ways of working that can bring operational improvements and support growth.

“The ambition and enthusiasm of the business ambitions are so infectious, I just had to be involved.”

Airedale Group, founded in 1973, is based in Cross Hills and provides chemicals and related services to the UK and Europe.

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Stephenson Personal Care, a Leeds-based firm which makes and supplies a range of soap bases and ingredients for the personal care market has appointed Paul Pickering as vice president.

He was initially employed as Stephenson’s head of sales, leading the sales team and driving strategic growth initiatives.

Pickering focused on discovering new distribution territories and partners which align with Stephenson’s value proposition.

He also spent significant time building Stephenson’s North American markets, delivering substantial growth and securing customer acquisitions with major brands.

Pickering said: “As a company, our focus is continually evolving as we shift from predominately solid format offerings to truly sustainable,100% natural, Organic-approved raw materials.

“Part of this strategy is our investment in a dedicated facility for the manufacture of polyglycerol esters which are key ingredients in many skin, hair, and sun care applications under the Durosoft^® brand.

“The team at Stephenson is ready for the future. We have always been at the front of market trends, and we have led global innovation within the solid format market for the majority of our 160-year history.

“Throughout this, we have scaled and invested to allow capacity to never hold us back from delivering for our valued customers.”

Managing director, Rob Carr, said: “Paul brings a deep level of industry knowledge to the table having been on the frontline of our business for many years.

“With his team, Paul has been instrumental in moving the business from a specialty soap business focused on certified and sustainable bases into a trusted partner for many businesses looking to provide solid format solutions to many traditionally liquid cosmetic and personal care applications.

“His unique energy and inspirational leadership mean that he is an empowering force to the team and colleagues whether he is making decisions, implementing ideas, or continually learning from challenges.

“We are thrilled that he has attained this significant position within the company.”

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Sheffield-based medical technology company, B Braun Medical, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of a new head of regulatory affairs, QM and environmental.

Ronnie Bhui, 42, brings a wealth of knowledge with his background in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Graduating from Biomedical Science at the University of the West of England Bristol, he pursued a career in clinical research.

In his previous roles, he has substantial experience across clinical research organisations, generic pharmaceutical companies, consultancies, and major pharmaceutical firms.

Driven by his goal of leading global pharmacovigilance, he joined Elanco where he spent eight years transforming regulatory processes.

Subsequently, he held a global role at Boehringer in Germany, overseeing major operations including a US call centre and contribution to the development of orphan drugs.

At B Braun, his focus will be on registering products for the UK market while ensuring product quality and efficacy.

He will also manage medical affairs, medical information, vigilance, and environmental management systems.

He said: “B Braun’s strong healthcare focus and commitment to innovative solutions is truly inspiring.

“In my new role, I am aiming to improve communication and teamwork, build a strong and diverse team, and strengthen relationships and engagement with global and local colleagues.

“I am committed to making a significant impact on the business and its customers, ensuring co-ordinated and effective operations.

“I’m excited about helping to lead an inclusive and diverse culture here and look forward to contributing to our shared success.”

Managing director of B Braun UK, Michael Parden, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ronnie to our team. His extensive experience and strategic vision are exactly what we need to drive our regulatory efforts and ensure the highest standards of quality and efficacy.”

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A new partner has joined the expanding national private wealth team at law firm, Weightmans.

Michele Wightman joins as part of the firm’s strategy to grow the individuals segment and to further strengthen its national private wealth offering.

Formerly of Wilkin Chapman, where she was joint head of the tax, trusts and estates team, she has worked in the private wealth and elderly client fields since qualifying in 1994, and brings with her a huge wealth of knowledge and experience.

Emma Collins, partner and individuals lead, said: “Michele’s appointment adds significant experience and expertise to our highly regarded national private wealth team and is an important part of the firm’s strategic ambition to have regional hubs of private client excellence across the UK.

“Michele’s ability to work collaboratively with the likes of our family, international and owner managed business teams enhances the firm’s capability to create bespoke solutions to our clients’ estate planning issues.”

Wightman said: “I am happy to join Weightmans, a progressive and forward-thinking firm, which puts the needs of its clients front and centre.

“I’m looking forward to using my expertise and tapping into my network to grow and expand the firm’s national private wealth offering further.”