People: Heneghan Architecture; CitiPark; STADA Thornton & Ross; and more

Heneghan Architecture, an architectural firm based in Honley, Holmfirth, has taken on its second employee, Ciara Duffin – an architectural technician.

A graduate of Leeds Beckett University, she brings a wealth of fresh ideas and a deep passion for architecture, having previously worked for an architectural practice in Leeds.

Her love for architecture was nurtured in the Lake District, where she developed an early fascination with the region’s stone structures and textures.

She said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the link between the inside and outside of a building.

“My travels, especially through Greece and Spain, have opened my eyes to different architectural styles and the way they interact with their surroundings. I’m excited to bring this perspective to Heneghan Architecture.”

The firm says it is committed to enhancing its services by offering a specialised interior design component.

Dan Heneghan, director, emphasised the importance of integrating interior design as a complementary service alongside the business’s strong partnerships with established interior designers.

He added: “We believe in employing good people with solid principles, and Ciara embodies this ethos perfectly, bringing something special to our team.”

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Car parking operator, CitiPark, has promoted Pete Dowling to chief technology officer.

With more than 18 years of experience in the technology sector and a proven track record of leading innovative solutions, he will now oversee the company’s technology strategy and innovation efforts.

Since joining CitiPark in 2012, he has served as the head of systems and infrastructure, where he played an integral role in scaling the company’s IT operations, optimising infrastructure, as well as implementing cutting-edge technology that enhanced operational efficiency.

In his new role, he will spearhead the development and execution of CitiPark’s long-term technology vision.

He will be responsible for driving innovation across all departments, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, introducing artificial intelligence technologies and overseeing the development of new products and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the company’s business and its partners.

Ben Ziff, CEO of Leeds-headquartered CitiPark, said: “Pete’s deep expertise and strategic mindset have been instrumental in transforming our technology operations.

“We are confident that in his new role as CTO, he will continue to elevate our technology landscape and position us for even greater success.”

Dowling brings extensive experience in technology within the parking industry, being responsible and contributing to several initiatives in recent years.

He said: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and help shape the future of technology at CitiPark and our subsidiary businesses.

“Technology is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m looking forward to leading our talented team as we continue to innovate and drive success for our clients.”

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Pharmaceutical manufacturer, Huddersfield-based STADA Thornton & Ross, which is part of the global STADA Group, has appointed Clare Furlonger as its new vice president of marketing and commercial excellence.

Headquartered in Slaithwaite, with a production site in Linthwaite, STADA Thornton & Ross is the company behind household brands such as Zoflora®, Covonia®, and Savlon®.

As the new vice president of marketing and commercial excellence, Furlonger will be responsible for leading the growth of the consumer healthcare portfolio for STADA UK.

Her role will involve building and developing a team of marketing, insight, innovation and commercial excellence experts, alongside the development of transformation growth plans for the consumer healthcare brands.

Furlonger brings over 25 years of FMCG and healthcare experience to the role, having begun her career studying pharmacology.

Her early experience was with Boots Healthcare International, working across brands such as Nurofen®, Strepsils®, E45, Clearasil®, and Optrex™.

Prior to joining STADA Thornton & Ross, she worked as a brand director at FMCG goods firm, All About Food, developing brands such as Nando’s, Costa Coffee, Pizza Express, Pret A Manger, and Wagamama, into leading positions in their respective categories.

She said: “I was drawn to this entrepreneurial and dynamic business with its deep commitment to caring for people.

“The opportunity to work with such an iconic portfolio of great British brands and to be part of a company that not only works on a global scale, but also manufactures many of them here in Yorkshire, is incredibly exciting.

“Over the next few years, our focus is on nurturing and growing our heritage brands, while introducing innovative, new products that align with our commitment to quality and care. It’s about celebrating our great British roots while embracing opportunities to expand and diversify.”

Nigel Stephenson, general manager at STADA Thornton & Ross, added: “I’m really pleased to welcome Clare to the company.

“Her previous track record of success is very exciting, and I’m looking forward to the experience and knowledge she will bring to the role.

“With her leadership, we are confident in continuing to build on our strengths as a dedicated manufacturer of trusted, high-quality healthcare and pharma products. It’s exciting to see how Clare will help drive our growth to higher heights in the near future.”

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Video games developer, Team17, has appointed Rashid Varachia to the Board as chief financial officer, and to a newly-created position of chief operating officer, with immediate effect.

Mark Crawford, the group’s current chief financial officer, is stepping down on 31 October 2024 to pursue other business interests and is working with the company to ensure an orderly handover.

Varachia is an experienced chief financial officer with significant video games, M&A and capital markets experience.

He joins Team17 from Jagex, a developer and publisher of role-playing and online living games, including the RuneScape franchise, where he has held the role of chief financial officer since August 2021.

During his tenure he helped deliver considerable organic growth and several successful acquisitions. In May 2024, he was instrumental in the sale of Jagex to CVC Capital Partners and Haveli Investments.

Prior to Jagex, Varachia was chief financial officer at Codemasters, a British video game developer and publisher specialising in racing games.

He joined Codemasters in 2012 as vice president of finance, before being appointed chief financial officer in 2015.

In 2018 he was an integral part of the team that oversaw Codemasters’ £280m listing on the London Stock Exchange and in 2021 led the sale of the business to Electronic Arts Inc for $1.2bn.

Varachia is a Chartered Certified Accountant who trained with KPMG UK.

Frank Sagnier, non-executive chair of Team17, said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Mark for his contribution to Team17 over the last five years and wish him well in all his future endeavours.

“I would also like to welcome Rashid into the Team17 family. He is a proven CFO and experienced video games industry professional, who has consistently delivered growth and value to investors in the sector.

“As we seek to accelerate growth and drive shareholder value, I am confident Rashid will be a great addition to the management team.”