People: Fiducia; Nasstar Group; 75Media; and more

Leeds-based specialty insurance managing general agent (MGA), Fiducia, has appointed a new marketing and sales co-ordinator.

Stef Dixon, who joins from insurance broker Ravenhall Risk Solutions, has more than 20 years’ broking, underwriting, marketing and sales experience.

In her new role, Dixon is working with Fiducia’s underwriting team to attract and retain new brokers while also supporting on policy renewals for existing broker clients.

Fiducia specialises in marine cargo, freight liability, engineering, marine equipment, fine art and specie insurance alongside excess of loss and terrorism covers. The company is backed by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s and other insurers.

Dixon said: “Fiducia has a great reputation for building strong relationships with brokers and working with them on a risk-by-risk basis to provide the ideal products and policy coverage required.

“I’ve joined a highly capable team of underwriters at Fiducia, and I am working closely with them to further enhance the service we deliver to our brokers, whilst also securing new partnerships.”

Established in 2016, Fiducia was founded by its chief executive officer, Gerry Sheehy.

Sheehy said: “Stef’s immediate understanding of Fiducia and how we differentiate through our relationships, service levels and product flexibility has enabled her to quickly make a positive impact.

“We now look forward to her helping drive the continued expansion of our broker network by using her range of complementary skills and expert understanding of our markets.”

:::

Nasstar Group, a Wakefield-headquartered provider of Microsoft technologies, secure networks and data & AI services, has appointed David Senior as chief financial officer, with effect from 1 May 2025.

As part of the transition, Kevin Dangerfield will be stepping down.

Senior brings significant experience in driving business growth through strategic financial oversight.

He joins from Redcentric, a managed services provider where he has served as CFO for the past five years, playing a critical role in building a high-performing finance team and driving commercial success.

Paul Cosgrave, CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome David to the Nasstar team, who joins at an exciting time for the business.

“He brings a wealth of valuable financial and strategic experience and is excellently positioned to make a significant contribution to our future success.

“I look forward to David joining the senior leadership team and working with him closely.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Kevin, who has helped us navigate this period of transformation. I would like to wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

Senior said: “I am pleased to be joining Nasstar at such an exciting time in its journey. The company has a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, and I look forward to working with the team to drive financial excellence and support Nasstar’s continued growth and success.”

:::

Experienced tech-industry veteran, Karen Bach, has joined Leeds-based outdoor advertising specialist 75Media as chair.

The appointment follows a seven-figure investment in 75Media last month from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Bach will bring three decades of leadership experience to the roadside media operator.

She has previously held board positions at 20 fast-growth businesses, mostly in the international technology sector, and across the investor range from angel to private equity to public.

As chair, her role will involve strategic support, mentoring of the senior team, advice on governance and liaison with key stakeholders.

She has strong connections to Yorkshire: she graduated from the University of Bradford in the early 1990s and already sits on the board of Shipley-based business Consult Red.

She said: “When I join a company, its people are always the key factor in my decision. You need to know it’s a team who can pull together when needed and where there’s trust – and also enjoyment.

“It soon became apparent to me that 75Media could offer all of that and more.

“The business is already doing great things, disrupting the sector while continuing to deliver a consistently high-quality service and products for customers.

“With the focus of Paul and the team on being tech-led, it felt like a very natural fit where I could offer support and advice as the company continues on its meteoric growth path and it’s a role I feel privileged to take on.”

Paul Inman, CEO and founder, added: “Having such an experienced chair as Karen join us signals a pivotal point in our growth.

“We can already see how much she will help us with her inspiring tech insight, but also her vast experience helping businesses to scale up: she has a huge network of connections which can open more doors for us.

“I believe it’s always helpful to have someone on the board who isn’t involved in the day-to-day, who can take a step back and see the wider picture and challenge us on our ideas and thinking.

“It’s been a busy 2025 already with the launch of our proprietary AI software BOB 2.0 (Billboard Optioning & Booking system); the investment from Mercia; and the launch of Ignite, our membership programme for start-ups and scale-ups.

“Our focus is on developing ground-breaking technology for the sector, which can help democratise outdoor advertising for all. There’s undoubtedly even more exciting times ahead. We can’t wait.”

:::

Leeds and Newcastle-based barristers set Parklane Plowden Chambers has confirmed the election of a new head of chambers.

Elizabeth Hodgson succeeds James Murphy who held the position for five years. Formed in 2007 following the merger of Parklane Chambers in Leeds and Plowden Chambers in Newcastle, Parklane Plowden is home to 119 barristers.

Hodgson is the first woman head of chambers at Parklane Plowden, and its two predecessor chambers.

She was called to the bar in 1993, and has practised in personal injury and clinical negligence throughout her career.

She became a member of Parklane Plowden in 2001 and has been a Recorder (Family) and a Deputy District Judge on the North Eastern Circuit since 2020. She has been a deputy head of chambers since 2021.

Hodgson said: “Chambers has thrived under James’s outstanding leadership over the past five years, furthering its reputation as a progressive set committed to developing positive outcomes in all our specialist practice areas.

“I thank him, both on behalf of Chambers and personally, for the enormous contribution he has made to Chambers’ success in that time.

“I look forward to working with our excellent senior management team to build upon that success as we continue to grow and evolve Chambers for the benefit of our clients, our staff and our members.”

Murphy remains an active member of Chambers, practicing in industrial disease and serious personal injury.