People: Fruition Consulting; Cirata; Zerum; and more

Fruition Consulting, a digital transformation and technology consultancy firm, has appointed Peter Cotton as its new chief customer officer.

Cotton brings over two decades of experience in project delivery and transforming organisational culture, including 10 years delivering high performance solutions in the betting and gaming industry in the UK and Singapore.

He was an integral part of the Infinity Works leadership team, spearheading operations to allow growth from 150 people in three locations to over 650 in six cities across the UK, and oversaw its integration into Accenture post acquisition.

Founded in Leeds, Fruition Consulting offers a range of services including strategic consultancy, software development, and IT infrastructure optimisation, with a network of over 200 associates across the UK.

CEO Sarah Pawson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Pete to the team at such a pivotal moment.

“Pete’s appointment signals our intention to scale our operations and deepen our client partnerships.

“His track record in building successful delivery teams and driving growth speaks for itself, and we’re confident that with his leadership, we can further our mission of helping businesses unlock their digital potential.”

Cotton added: “I’m honoured to step into this role and work alongside such a talented team. Fruition’s commitment to close collaboration and delivering practical, tailored digital solutions resonates deeply with me.

“I look forward to helping our clients as they navigate challenging technical projects, continuing to provide exceptional service and strengthening our relationships.”

:::

Sheffield-headquartered big data company, Cirata, has confirmed Amanda Jobbins and Eric Collins have been appointed non‐executive directors with immediate effect.

Peter Lees, senior independent director, who joined the board on 9 August 2022 and chairs the Nomination Committee, will resign from his position effective from 31 December 2024.   

Jobbins brings with her a wealth of international experience, having served as global chief marketing officer for major SaaS and IT enterprise software companies in the USA, Europe and Asia.

She currently serves as global chief marketing officer for Vodafone Business and director of GTM & Strategic Partners.

Prior to this, she was global chief marketing officer at Infor as well as chief marketing officer and senior vice president of global business development at Oracle.

Collins is a seasoned entrepreneur and business builder in addition to being the co-founder of Impact X Capital Partners: a venture capital firm founded to back underrepresented entrepreneurs across Europe and the USA, in sectors such as technology, healthcare, education and media.

He served as chief operating officer of Digital Surgery, acquired by Medtronic in 2020, which is a global leader in healthcare technology.

Prior to this, he served as chief revenue and distribution officer at SwiftKey, a virtual keyboard app that was acquired by Microsoft in 2016, where he was responsible for driving both user and revenue growth.

Ken Lever, Cirata chair, said: “Amanda and Eric bring broad business experience across a range of sectors to our board.

“Amanda has an excellent track record across major enterprise software businesses that will help Cirata capitalise on its potential through investment in sales, marketing and products.

“Eric’s business acumen and proven ability as a revenue builder and value creator will be invaluable as we look to deliver on our growth strategy and meet our medium-term ambitions.

“During this period of major change and transition for Cirata Peter Lees’ guidance and advice has been invaluable.  The board extends its sincere thanks for the contribution Peter has made and wishes him well for the future.”

:::

Russell Wright-Turner has officially joined Leeds and Manchester-based property consultancy Zerum’s ownership group.

Wright-Turner, who has been a key figure in the company for several years, will continue to lead and expand Zerum’s cost management business as partner.

He joined Zerum in 2020 as head of the consultancy’s cost management business. He leads the team delivering project services across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, purpose-built student accommodation, hotels, and retail.

Under his leadership, Zerum’s cost management team has contributed to several high-profile projects, including Gorton Street’s 40-storey co-living tower in Salford; Capital & Centric’s 190 unit, Talbot Mill, in Manchester; Blacklight’s recently completed £60m student scheme, Limelight, in Liverpool and the 284-unit private rented scheme, The Tilt Works, in Sheffield, delivered by Grainger.

Wright-Turner said: “Over the last five years, we have worked with some amazing clients that have seen us successfully deliver over 2,250 BTR units.

“Credit must be given to our team, who continue to adapt quickly to challenges and remain proactive in helping developers navigate ever-increasing viability pressures.

“I am happy to be joining the Zerum board at what is a very exciting time for the business as it enters its next phase of growth.

“We plan to expand into regions outside of the North West and Yorkshire, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in supporting our strategic objectives and growing the team while continuing to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.”

In his new role as partner, he will also be responsible for overseeing and implementing Zerum’s corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy across the company’s various business lines.

:::

From left, Sam Crich and Chris Taylor

Huddersfield-based Eaton Smith Solicitors says Sam Crich has joined as a partner in its Commercial Team.

With a wealth of experience in commercial law, his appointment strengthens the firm’s ability to offer comprehensive and strategic legal advice to businesses of all sizes.

Crich brings over 10 years of expertise in the legal sector, having worked with a wide range of clients, from SMEs to large multinational corporations.

His knowledge spans various areas, including contracts, commercial, IT & Data Protection and consumer law, making him a valuable addition to Eaton Smith’s expanding team of legal experts.

Chris Taylor, partner at Eaton Smith and head of commercial and video games law, said: “It is great to be able to welcome Sam to our team.

“Sam has a broad range of expertise in the commercial sector which fits perfectly with our clients and their needs.

“In particular, Sam’s keen interest in technology law and data protection will help to build on and expand our technology offering to clients, not to mention it perfectly complementing our award-winning work in the video games sector.

“His knowledge of the law relating to technology issues will be a tremendous asset as we continue to innovate and expand in that field.”

Crich added: “Since starting to study the law I had always wanted to be involved in video gaming law.

“I’ve been passionate about being both a lawyer and a gamer for many years now, so, joining such a highly regarded Commercial and Video Games Team is something that I am particularly excited about.

“I am really looking forward to adding even more value to the work I do for my clients, not only by drawing on my experience and passion for video gaming when working with games clients but also applying my existing legal specialisms across all clients that the Commercial Team works with.”