People on the move in Welsh business
There have been some significant appointments and promotions made in Wales in recent weeks. In our latest jobs round-up, Lauren Phillips takes a look at some of those who have taken on new roles
Global Centre of Rail Excellence
Former Siemens Mobility chief executive Will Wilson has joined the board for the Global Centre of Rail Excellence as an independent nonexecutive director.
Mr Wilson became chief executive of Siemens Mobility in June 2019, having previously been its managing director. Prior to this he was senior vice-president at Invensys Rail.
GCRE is constructing a new £400m rail innovation facility in south Wales set to open in 2025 at the head of the Dulais and Swansea valleys. It will be a facility providing world-class research, testing and certification of rolling stock, infrastructure and innovative rail technologies.
Chairman Dr Debra Williams said: “We’re delighted to welcome Will Wilson to the GCRE Ltd board and to add his significant knowledge and experience to the team. Will’s industry background and his credibility make him an excellent fit for GCRE.”
Mr Wilson said: “Rail faces a significant challenge in the coming years of decarbonising the network and supporting the UK’s path to net zero. That means we must increase the pace of innovation and bring new ideas and new technologies to market faster. That’s one of the critical areas in which the GCRE facility can help and one of the major attractions for me of joining the board.”
Vista Technology Support
Leading electronics point-of-sale tech venture Vista Technology Support has created a new network infrastructure projects team to support its latest growth phase.
The Cardiff-based business, which previously traded as Vista Retail Support, has established Vista Infrastructure Project Services – headed by former sales director with ISG Tech Mark Robinson. He is supported by newly appointed portfolio manager Ian Lewis and project manager Barry Snaden.
With significant growth in recent years Vista’s project services team, led by Sarah Jones, will continue to provide technology deployment projects and new store opening services to Vista’s existing customers.
Mr Robinson said: “In a world of hyper-connected services and with a constant drive for technology integration it’s easy to forget that everything needs high-performance physical infrastructure to operate with optimum performance.”
Ms Jones said: “This is a very exciting time for Vista, and the introduction of the infrastructure team will no doubt bring a wealth of opportunity for the business, our staff and customers – both existing and new.”
Vista chief executive James Pepper said: “It’s great to welcome Mark, Ian and Barry to the team. We have built a reputation for delivering on our promises to customers and provide industry-leading technology projects to some of the most well-known brands in retail, hospitality and pharmacy and I believe that investment in key people to continue to drive Vista’s growth will ultimately be a huge success.”
Women in Property South Wales
Women in Property South Wales has appointed Rhiannon Peploe-Williams as its new branch chairman.
Ms Peploe-Williams is an associate in the real estate team of law firm Blake Morgan, where she specialises in commercial property transactions, with particular emphasis on retail asset management .
She has been a committee member of Women in Property South Wales for five years and was vice-chairman in 2021. Her role as chairman has a oneyear term.
She said: “Everything Women in Property is about chimes with the principles of social value. We have always been committed to inclusion, engagement and an equitable society, so what a great time to be taking on the branch chair role.
“Women in Property South Wales strives to inspire women in the built environment to reinforce existing professional connections and make new ones.”
Women in Property South Wales has also appointed Hannah LewisJones, business development director of HKS, as its vice-chairman for 202324.
Clarke Willmott
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National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has made three senior appointments after reporting revenues of £59.6m for 2021/22 – up 12% on the previous year. The firm’s new chief executive, Peter Swinburn, will be replacing Stephen Rosser from May this year.
It has also appointed Karen Higgins as head of ESG, having spent 18 years at Grant Thornton UK LLP including 12 years as head of sustainability. She is also a board member of Green Element, an environmental consultancy.
Rachel Ramsay is Clarke Willmott’s new internal communications manager. With over 25 years in publishing, journalism and internal communications, she is an expert in building employee experience and culture using innovative channels and is a member of the Institute of Internal
Communications’ Professional Development Advisory Board.
Meanwhile, Sarah Brickell has joined Clarke Willmott as head of communications. With over 20 years’ experience in marketing, predominantly in financial services, Sarah has a board remit on all external communications at the firm.
JCP Solicitors
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JCP Solicitors, which has offices across south and west Wales, has appointed Rhys Evans as the new head of its rural practice team.
Mr Evans, who specialises in supporting clients nationwide across a range of rural legal matters, joined as director in 2021 and developed a reputation for extensive agricultural litigation knowledge and offers advice on all aspects of agricultural law.
He acts for farmers on landlord and
tenant disputes, partnership disputes, boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, easements, public and private rights of way issues. He also has extensive experience in providing bespoke and technical advice for a broad range of complex and high-value disputes, while understanding client needs and the industry they operate in.
Director and chief executive Hayley Davies said: “Rhys’ vast expertise in the areas of agricultural and property litigation has been a significant asset to the team, and I am certain his dedication and impressive knowledge will continue to strengthen the team moving forwards.”
Sphere Solutions
Cardiff-headquartered construction recruitment firm Sphere Solutions has made a series of senior appointments.
Phil Sharp has been appointed area director and will focus on developing the employee-owned business’ activities across Gloucester, Bristol and Exeter. Robyn Marshall has been appointed social value manager.
Mr Sharp said: “I am delighted to have joined Sphere Solutions, where collaboration, quality and commitment are key pillars. I have been struck by the knowledge and talent here, and the synergy between the business and its clients.
“I look forward to driving growth into new sectors within the construction industry and building new relationships.”
Managing director James Hughes said: “We are thrilled to have Phil and Robyn join our team; their wealth of experience and expertise will help us to continue delivering the highest-quality recruitment solutions for our clients while also ensuring that we make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
Berry Recruitment
Berry Recruitment has appointed Katy Thomas as its new regional manager across south Wales and the south west of England.
Overseeing the Cornwall, Devon and south Wales’ operations, Ms Thomas plans to grow the established branches in Truro, Exeter and Newport in terms of turnover and headcount.
She said: “We have three great branches in the south west, with our Wales branch moving recently from Cardiff to Newport. One area of growth is construction; we are receiving more and more instructions in this sector.
“Construction is an industry that is an indicator of an economy, so contrary to what you hear, the south-west economy is looking resilient. We aim to continue recruiting by offering well-paid roles.
“We recruit in the industrial, driving , factory, warehouse, manufacturing and cleaning sectors, as well as in office and professional services.”
TCi Futures
Go Compare founder Lee Griffin has joined the board of insurance technology startup TCi Futures as its first nonexecutive director.
Mr Griffin was previously part of the launch team at Confused.com before going on to found Go Compare in 2006 alongside Hayley Parsons.
Launched last year, TCi Futures offers tech-led solutions such as embedded insurance. Mr Griffin joins managing director David Lewis on the board.
Mr Griffin said: “TCi Futures is creating something truly unique – made by brokers, for brokers – it will build products for the independent broker market, creating new revenue streams for both the broker, and their clients. Its technology will also allow businesses to create a more dynamic sales process that’s tailored to the individual, providing options that are affordable, relevant and convenient.”
Parker & Co
Accountancy practice Parker & Co has promoted two of its accountants to directors of the business following its merger with Cwmbran-based practice
Griffiths & James. The Newport and Gwent-based accountants and business advisers have promoted Gareth Pinder and Rebecca Webster to their new roles at the practice.
Mr Pinder said: “Parker & Co is in an exciting position of growth. We are now in a position to fully incorporate Parker & Co.”
Ms Webster, who has been with the firm for 13 years, said: “Parker & Co is in a really exciting stage in its growth as a business. I believe with managing director Gary Parker, Gareth and myself working together, we have a successful management team at the core.
“The merger with Griffiths & James has been a success story and we are now ready for further challenges.”
Limegreentangerine
Cardiff-based digital agency Limegreentangerine (LGT) has promoted its head of brand, Alex Down, to creative director.
In his new role, Mr Down will take central charge of the creative output of the agency, overseeing both brand and digital departments, while also becoming a shareholder in the company.
During his 14 years at LGT, he has worked to deliver major briefs for companies including MG Motor, the Football Association Wales and cider brand Kicking Goat.
Co-founder Andy Rees will move away from his creative director role to concentrate on further developing the central business and growth opportunities.