Appointments: Expansion for financial services firm; University vice-chancellor to step down; Listed life sciences business makes key hire

FINANCIAL services company The Insurance Partnership, based in Hull, has appointed chartered financial planner James Blake to aid plans to expand outside the city.

Having worked as an adviser since 1998, Mr Blake has previously worked in both high street and private banks, advising across sectors from commercial clients to high net worth individuals, on complex areas including estate planning and inheritance tax.

He said: “I am pleased to be an IFA again, with the whole of the market to find solutions for clients in the areas of protection, retirement, investments and estate planning.

“I joined The Insurance Partnership because I believe in the firm, and in being able to give moral and ethical holistic advice on the whole of clients’ financial arrangements in order to help them reach their goals.”

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LISTED life sciences business OptiBiotix has hired Luis Gosalbez as director of business development.

The business, which is based at York Science Park, develops products to tackle obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Mr Gosalbez brings a strong scientific background and is multilingual having worked at various times in Germany, Spain, and South Korea as a researcher, analyst, and as a director of strategic projects exploring opportunities in consumer healthcare, the microbiome, and biotherapeutics.  

Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, said: “Luis’s scientific and commercial experience in the microbiome space across food, biotech, and pharma provides additional breadth and capability to help capitalise on the growing number of microbiome opportunities.  His multilingual skills and experience in working in overseas markets, particularly Asia, will help enhance our access to these markets and support commercialisation of our pipeline of opportunities.  Luis’s skills in managing multiple projects brings additional capacity to manage the increasing number of product development agreements currently in place with international partners, in addition to those anticipated in the future.”  

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PROFESSOR Calie Pistorius has announced that he will step down as vice-chancellor of the University of Hull at the end of January 2017, after more than seven years in the role.

During Professor Pistorius’s tenure as vice-chancellor, the University has developed and implemented an ambitious strategy that has increased its regional, national and international profile, and strengthened its links with business and industry.

Professor Pistorius has brought about significant organisational renewal for the University, initiating the largest investment programme in its history. This £200m investment programme, now well underway, enhances the University’s academic endeavours, staff and student experience, physical and IT infrastructure, and business and community partnerships, both in the UK and overseas, the statement said.

Professor Pistorius commented: “It has been a privilege to lead the University of Hull for the last seven years. It is a fantastic university, with a great academic heritage, a beautiful campus, welcoming people, a wonderful student experience and a real sense of purpose as an anchor institution.

“I have enjoyed my time at Hull tremendously and am proud of what we have achieved in the University, and also in the city and the region. At this point in my life and career, I am ready for and want to move on to my next opportunity and role. When I step down in January, I will hand over to a strong leadership team who will build on our momentum with confidence and continue to strengthen the University’s vision of empowering people to shape the future – regionally, nationally and globally.”

Barry Dodd, chair of the University Council said: “We are extremely grateful to Calie for his leadership and vision in steering the University through a rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive higher education environment.”