Appointments: Ice cream giant’s CFO to retire after 25 years; Head of business development hire for law firm; and more

THE chief financial officer of ice cream manufacturer R&R will retire at the end of 2016 after 25 years in the business.

The company said Andy Finneran has been an “integral part” of the team which has nurtured the business and overseen its continuous growth from a turnover of €15m to €1bn.

Over the last 12 months, he has also played a pivotal role in the successful joint venture discussions with Nestlé, which, subject to final regulatory approval, will result in the creation of
the joint venture, Froneri, with turnover of around €2.5bn.

R&R’s CEO Ibrahim Najafi said: “In the coming months there will be time to reflect on Andy’s significant contribution to R&R and the creation of the joint venture which he is a big supporter of.  At this stage however, I would like to express my gratitude for all Andy has done for the business. Above all, I would to thank Andy personally, for the support and friendship he has shown me in 18 years of working closely together.”

R&R has also confirmed the appointment of Daniel Martinez as Mr Finneran’s successor. He joins the business on August 1 from Almirall, a Spanish quoted international pharmaceutical business where he is the CFO. He also has significant fast-moving consumer goods and food experience with Reckitt Benckiser and PepsiCo.  

Mr Finneran said: “This has been an incredible journey and it has been a privilege to work in such a continually successful business over the last 25 years with a very talented team of people and friends. It feels like the right time to pass the baton on to someone younger to help the joint venture achieve their goal and I’m sure Ibrahim and the team will keep the success going.”

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CORPORATE law firm Shulmans has appointed Kirsteen McFadzean to its newly-created head of business development role.

Ms McFadzean has a wealth of experience and expertise in business growth, specifically in the legal market, having held a number of senior business development positions with firms such as Blacks Solicitors, Eversheds and Addleshaw Goddard.

During her career she has been responsible for setting business development strategies and delivering improved business performance, developing key client accounts and improving client satisfaction.  
 
She said: “My experience in law firm business development means I am able to advise Shulmans on how to maximise its potential.  I am well-versed in assessing the strengths of a law firm and offering strategic advice, as well as executing this on a practical level through a variety of channels.  I’m happy to roll up my sleeves and get involved in the operational side of things, including CRM, planning, and designing and managing a programme of marketing activities.  

“I believe business development is the backbone of a firm.  It ensures that everyone is united under one brand, which helps clients understand the firm’s vision and values, and differentiates it from its competitors.”

The firm recently reported, for the sixth year in a row, double digit growth, taking it above the £12m turnover mark.  

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FINANCIAL planners Gale and Phillipson has announced the firm’s further expansion with the appointment of a wealth planning adviser.

Paul Moat joins Northallerton and Richmond-based Gale and Phillipson from Rutherford Wilkinson. With more than 14 years’ experience working in the financial services sector, he specialises in private client wealth management, family wealth preservation, protection, retirement planning and managing taxation and risk.

He said: “I joined Gale and Phillipson because of the firm’s reputation for innovative thinking within financial advice. I’m delighted to join the team and to be able to work alongside them to strive to continue providing first class independent financial advice to our clients.”

Phil Morris, head of acquisitions and distribution, said: “We’re pleased to announce the continued expansion of our Newcastle team and to welcome Paul on board. Paul brings a wealth of IFA and banking experience to the business and he will no doubt complement the existing team very well.”