People: Zenith; Fisher German; Taskmaster; and more

Leeds-based truck-to-car vehicle leasing and fleet management company, Zenith, has appointed Richard Jones as its new group chief executive officer (CEO), subject to FCA approval. 

He has 10 years’ direct experience in leasing and vehicle finance, having been managing director of Blackhorse and Lex Autolease at Lloyds Banking Group, and more recently, managing director at MotoNovo, part of the Aldermore Group. He will join Zenith during quarter one 2025.

Lord Stuart Rose, chair of the Zenith Holding Board, said: “Richard is a seasoned business and people leader, with a career spanning 25 years in financial services, and the last 10 years in automotive and leasing.

“His experience, and track record in leading successful teams and organisations, has enabled him to deliver value for customers, partners and shareholders, making him the ideal CEO to lead the Zenith Group through the next stage of its development.

“Tim Buchan retires after 14 years as CEO, having built a diverse and resilient business for both our customers and the incredible people who work here.

“He has worked with five private equity houses, completed two management buyouts, overseen three transformational acquisitions, and built the UK’s first direct-to-consumer contract hire business.”

Jones said: “Working in the automotive sector for a number of years, I’ve always admired Zenith. The company has an impressive reputation for delivering for its customers, and has enjoyed sustained growth, as well as being an award-winning employer with a strong culture focused on inclusion and performance. 

“This is a sector I am passionate about because it plays a vital role in supporting the UK economy, and in delivering our society’s climate change goals.

“I look forward to working with the Zenith team to build on the many successes achieved to date, and to unlock the exciting opportunities ahead of us.”

Buchan added: “It has been an honour to see the Zenith business and our people grow and adapt over a period of immense change within our industry.

“I’m proud to have served so many successful and loyal customers and industry partners, and to have been part of a team that has led the transition to electric vehicles for so many UK drivers.

“Having spent time with Richard, I know he is a great fit for our business, and I have every confidence he is the best candidate to take Zenith onto the next stage of its successful journey.”

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A property consultancy has announced two senior promotions at its Doncaster office.

Fisher German has promoted Ginny Banham and Thomas Parker to senior associates.

Banham is part of the rural property management team and her work consists of various rural general professional practice matters and property management across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and County Durham.

Parker joined Fisher German in 2019 and is part of the firm’s rural and residential agency team, dealing with the sales and acquisitions of rural property across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The promotions are among 53 Fisher German has made across all areas of the business as part of its ongoing growth.

Banham said: “I’m really pleased to receive this promotion in recognition of my work, and it’s good to be in a firm where there is a progression framework in place and you are rewarded for having a strong work ethic.

“We have a great team in Doncaster who have experience in a broad range of rural and commercial property matters, so we have excellent opportunities to provide our clients with a strong multi-disciplinary service.

“The rural property management team is currently very busy supporting a wide range of clients, and I look forward to continuing my work in this area.”

Parker added: “It’s really nice to be recognised with this promotion. I am currently leading our rural and residential agency offering in the North East as we look to grow this area of the business. 

“The property market has faced many challenges in recent years and with uncertainties over potential changes to taxation, it is important that those looking to buy or sell receive the right professional advice. 

“Our agency team in Doncaster are specialists in the property market and are helping clients achieve their respective objectives.

“In Doncaster, we have a wide range of professionals covering a variety of specialities, and an enthusiastic team of colleagues right from graduates to those with years of experience – it’s a great place to work.”

Fisher German has seen its national headcount almost double since 2017, with 806 staff members now based across its network of 26 offices.

Richard Benson, senior partner, added: “This round of promotions sees more than 50 colleagues move up within the business in recognition of their hard work and consistent high performance.

“The promotions span the whole firm, with representation from all divisions and recognition for those who have been with us for anywhere from one year to 20 plus.

“I would like to congratulate all of those who have been promoted for their continued hard work and support as we continue to build a more diverse and dynamic multi-disciplinary property consultancy.”

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Leeds-based recruitment company, Taskmaster, has appointed Elly Clow as its new head of client solutions.

With 15 years of experience in recruitment, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, having previously worked across various positions in the industry.

She began her career in 2009 as an on-site consultant and progressed to roles such as recruitment consultant, area manager, and regional manager eventually transitioning into the professional services sector, shifting her career towards permanent recruitment UK wide.

In her new role, she will be responsible for supporting Taskmaster’s branch network across the UK, driving growth in temporary staffing solutions, and focusing on large-volume accounts including on-sites.

She said: “I’m beyond excited to take on this new challenge and work with such a talented team.

“I look forward to driving growth and supporting our clients through the everchanging recruitment landscape.”

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From left, Romi Thomas and Ruari Phipps

Harrogate and Leeds-based sustainability tech and advisory company, Flotilla, is continuing to accelerate growth with new appointments across both technical development and environmental consultancy.

Romi Thomas joins as a test analyst, while Ruari Phipps brings his expertise as a sustainability consultant.

Thomas will work with the development team to ensure a seamless customer experience across its tech platform, underpinning Flotilla’s commitment to excellence.

Central to his role will be ensuring the robust and bug-free operation of the company’s tech platform, defining a testing strategy, and identifying and documenting issues.

Phipps has extensive experience in carbon accounting and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of corporate net zero journeys.

He will be responsible for supporting the business’s clients on their ESG journeys, helping them understand their carbon footprints, and developing effective decarbonisation strategies aligned with both business objectives and sustainability reporting frameworks.

He will be especially involved with Flotilla’s clients from the private equity industry, where there is scope for positive sustainable impact.

Thomas said: “Flotilla’s focus on helping businesses manage and reduce their carbon footprint truly aligns with my values.

“I’m also looking forward to contributing to products that really create value for our clients. Through rigorous testing, I’ll be part of delivering a robust and high-performing solution that meets our clients’ needs.”

Phipps said: “I’ve always felt the sustainability industry calling my name: it’s ever-evolving, purpose-driven, and provides the tangible satisfaction of knowing you’re making a positive impact for both people and the environment.

John Rastrick, co-founder and CEO, added: “The addition of Romi and Ruari is pivotal to the next phase of our growth and the ongoing delivery of our high-quality sustainability solutions and services.

“Romi’s problem-solving expertise will further enhance our technological capabilities, benefiting both our clients and the environment.

“And Ruari brings deep sustainability knowledge and business acumen, which will support our clients in realising the broader benefits of starting and delivering their net-zero journeys.”