Recruitment » Career moves: Photo-Me International, Getech, Nighthawk and more

Career moves: Photo-Me International, Getech, Nighthawk and more

A round-up of new CFO and other senior executive appointments in the UK and elsewhere

Photo-Me International appoints Gibon new finance head from April

Photo-Me International, the UK listed photo booth operator, has named Stefane Gibon as its new finance head, effective April. Gibon will be replacing Gabriel Pirona, who will be stepping down from CFO to pursue other opportunities. Serge Crasnianski, Photo-Me’s CEO, said: “I am delighted to announce Stefane’s appointment. He has more than 20 years’ experience working at Photo-Me and has a deep understanding of the business and our strategic priorities. The board looks forward to working with him.” He also commented on Pirona’s resignation and said “I would like to sincerely thank Gabriel for his contribution and dedication throughout his three years at Photo-Me, during a period of significant profit growth and diversification of the business. We wish him all the best in his new endeavours.”

Getech appoints new board members

Getech, the listed UK natural resources research company, has appointed Andrew Liam Derbyshire as its new CFO and Christopher Paul Jepps as its new chief operating officer with immediate effect. Derbyshire joined the company in 2014 and served as the group’s finance manager prior to becoming the CFO. Jepps worked at Exprodat, where he was responsible for the development of geospatial software products before he joined GETTECH. Stuart Paton, chairman of Getech, commented on the appointments and said “With the Board’s focus on governance and strategy it is key that we can access the wider range of skills necessary to review Getech’s progress and positioning. The appointment of Andrew and Chris will enrich the Board’s discussion and I am very pleased to welcome them both.”

Nighthawk hires interim chief financial officer

Nighthawk Energy, a US-focused oil and gas company listed in the UK, has appointed Chris Kohler as its new interim CFO. Kohler brings more than 15 years of financial and operational management experience with him, out of which he spent 7 years doing international accounting for multiple oil and gas companies. In his new role, he will be responsible for accounting, finance and administrative functions of the company. Kurtis Hooley, Nighthawk’s former CFO, will be leaving the company on 16 March 2018, to pursue new opportunities.

Scottish Power promotes Keith Anderson to CEO

Keith Anderson has been promoted to CEO of Scottish Power, a subsidiary of Spanish utility Iberdrola, from his combined role as chief executive of Scottish Power Renewables and chief corporate officer of Scottish Power. The company released a statement that confirmed this development: “Anderson will have ultimate responsibility for all Scottish Power businesses, and for the leadership of Scottish Power internally and externally.”

‘Chicken king’ becomes president of Boparan Holdings

Boparan Holdings (BHL), one of the UK’s largest food producers, has appointed Ranjit Singh Boparan as president. He brings 25 years of experience with him, having spent all that time developing his business empire all over the UK. Speaking about his appointment, Boparan said: “I am fully committed to building a better, more transparent business, modernising our company and simplifying our operations.

“I want to take a broader industry leadership role and concentrate more on the issues and challenges that affect not only our business, but also the food sector in general such as Brexit, social responsibility and sustainability”. Charles Allen, chairman of BHL, commented on Boparan’s appointment and said “Ranjit has spent 25 years of his life building a world class food business. In his new role, he will be playing to his strengths, looking at new opportunities and reducing debt that will help take the business to new levels of success.”

Mark Phelps becomes CEO of GH Financials, succeeding Mark Ibbotson who becomes chairman

GH Financials, a provider of global clearing services for exchange traded futures and options contracts, has promoted Mark Phelps to CEO effective 2 April 2018. Phelps joined GH Financials in 2012 and since then has led the firm’s global sales and marketing efforts as managing director of sales & marketing, as a member of the Management Committee and as a board director of GH Financials in Chicago. Speaking about his appointment, Mark Ibbotson, non-executive chairman-elect, said: “We are delighted to promote Mark Phelps to the position of Group CEO. Mark’s skill, dedication and enthusiasm have been key ingredients to the firm’s successful expansion in recent years, which makes him an excellent and natural choice to lead the group to the next level.

“As an experienced and respected figure in the derivatives industry, Mark will bring a new dimension and energy to the firm for the next phase of its expansion.” Phelps commented said: “I am hugely honoured to have been given this opportunity to lead GH Financials into the next phase of its growth.”

Northview reveals new chief executive

UK mortgage loan provider Northview Group has hired Mark Arnold as its new CEO. Prior to joining Northview, he served at investment firm Centerbridge Partners as an executive in residence with a particular focus on investments in the financial services sector. He brings a plethora of experiences with him, having spent 18 years in GE Capital in a variety of senior management level roles.

He has also held CEO positions at GE Money, Budapest Bank, GE Global Banking Asia and Bank of Ayudhya. Arnold said: “Northview Group brands have built a great reputation in the specialist lending market over many years. The group has had a fantastic year and I am confident that my experience from around the globe will further support the ambitious growth plans that we have.”

Wessanen UK names Emma Vass as its new chief executive officer

Wessanen UK, part of Dutch consumer group Royal Wassanen, has named Emma Vass as its new CEO. Vass will be replacing Patrick Cairns as CEO after he stepped down from the role in 2017. She brings over 20 years of experience with her, having worked at companies such as Mars, Premier Foods and Danone. Vass said: “I am excited to join this dynamic and pioneering business at this key time and to have the opportunity to facilitate further growth and innovation.”

Funeral Partners announces new CEO

Sam Kershaw has been appointed chief executive officer of Funeral Partners, a UK network of funeral directors. He has over 35 years of experience in the funeral industry and has held senior management positions in some of the UK’s largest funeral businesses. Prior to joining Funeral Partners, Kershaw served as president of the London Association of Funeral Directors.

Kershaw said: “Funeral Partners has invested in these family businesses, while protecting their heritage and retaining their local identity. We work closely with the owners to develop a plan on how their funeral homes will develop within the Funeral Partners family yet retain the ethos of an independent business, providing high levels of customer and community service. I look forward to leading Funeral Partners’ continued growth into a truly countrywide business.”

New Payment System Operator (NPSO) appoints Matthew Hunt as COO

The NPSO, set up to develop the capability and capacity of the UK’s retail payment systems, has brought in Matthew Hunt as its new chief operating officer. Hunt currently serves as the COO for the Monetary Policy area at the Bank of England. He has also served as the Head of Customer Banking Division where he was responsible for banking, securities and gold custody services provided to the UK Government and other central banks. Paul Horlock, CEO of the NPSO, said “Matthew has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and we are delighted that he is joining us as our COO at this key stage in our organisation’s development.”

Oak Furniture Land hires new chief operating officer

British retailer Oak Furniture Land (OFL) has made Alex Fisher its new chief operating officer. In his new role, Fisher will be responsible for driving OFL’s growth in the next 12 months. Fisher will be replacing Terry King, who was promoted to CEO, effective immediately. Prior to joining OFL, Fisher served as CEO at Watchshop and as a director of Aurum Group. OFL founder and executive chairman Jason Bannister said: “Alex brings a wealth of multi-channel and international experience which will prepare us for our next phase of rapid growth, and will particularly help strengthen our digital capabilities and overseas opportunities.”

Claire Featherstone joins Sundog Pictures as COO

UK TV and film production company Sundog Pictures has brought in Claire Featherstone as its first chief operating officer. Prior to joining Sundog, Featherstone operated as a consultant and provided strategic, operational, financial and production support to TV and digital media companies, including Sundog. Featherstone will be taking up her new role effective April 2018. Sundog Pictures CEO Johnny Webb commented on her appointment and said “Claire’s skills have been honed from leading the growth of a successful indie, so she is perfectly placed to help take Sundog to its next stage of development”.

David Hockley named Picsolve CEO

UK-based imagery equipment provider Picsolve has appointed David Hockley as its new CEO. In his new role, Hockley will work with Picsolve’s executive team and third-party technology partners to support the development of Picsolve’s visionary imaging technology and diversification into sectors beyond theme parks. Hockley brings a wealth of experience with him, having worked for 25 years in the media, entertainment and technology sectors.

Prior to joining PicSolve, Hockley served as a CFO of Channel 5 and consulted for US companies including publisher Hearst Magazines and media company Scripps Interactive Networks. Colin Tenwick, Chairman of PicSolve, commented on Hockley’s appointment and said: “David’s huge breadth of experience will be invaluable in taking Picsolve to the next level, and I’m very excited to see what the future will bring with him at the helm.”

Pinterest hires former Google executive as its first COO

Pinterest, the San Francisco-based web and mobile app company, has announced the appointment of Francoise Brougher, as its first chief operating officer. Prior to joining Pinterest, Brougher served as an executive at Alphabet. Brougher was also recently a business lead at Square Inc. In her new role, she will be responsible for supervising Pinterest’s operations around the world and will lead its sales. Her appointment will be effective March 12th; and will be based out of Pinterest’s headquarters in San Francisco. She will report to Pinterest CEO, Ben Silbermann.

Alan Pullinger to take over as FirstRand CEO when Johan Burger retires

According to reports, South African financial services provider FirstRand group deputy CEO Alan Pullinger will be appointed as the company’s new chief executive officer when Johan Burger, FirstRand’s current CEO, retires in April. Thanks to this move, MMI deputy CEO, Mary Vilakazi, will become FirstRand’s new COO.

Laurie Dippenaar, FirstRand’s chairperson, commented on the transition: “The board is pleased to announce a smooth group CEO succession process, which is possible following Alan’s appointment as deputy CEO three years ago. Since then, Johan and Alan have been jointly driving execution on the group’s growth strategies”. He went on to state further “He (Pullinger) is the ideal candidate to lead the group forward in the realisation of those strategies.”

CH Robinson promotes Robert Biesterfeld as chief operating officer

CH Robinson has promoted Robert Biesterfeld to COO. In his new role, Biesterfeld will be responsible for five business divisions, including NAST, Global Forwarding, Robinson Fresh, Europe Surface Transportation and Managed Services. He will also be responsible for company’s commercial operations and information technology. John Wiehoff, CH Robinson’s CEO, commented on Biesterfeld’s appointment and said “Bob (Robert) has been instrumental in driving strategy and transformation and brings a strong focus on analytics, customer centricity and technology to this role.”

Banner Corp announces retirement and appointment Of CFO

Washington-based financial services provider Banner Corporation has announced the resignation of Lloyd W. Baker from his positions as CFO and executive vice president. Peter J. Conner who is currently the executive vice president of Banner Bank, will be replacing Baker. Mark J. Grescovich, president and CEO of Banner Corp spoke about Lloyd’s resignation and Conner’s appointment and said “Lloyd has played an integral role, helping guide us through significant periods of expansion and growth. He has provided our company with tremendous knowledge and strategic financial expertise.

“The board joins me in thanking Lloyd for his valued service and contributions, and we wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement. Peter’s appointment is a natural progression of our succession planning and facilitates a seamless transition. We are confident in his ability to lead our financial team through the next phase of our growth.” Prior to joining Banner Corp, Conner served as the CFO of  SKBHC LLC and AmericanWest Bank.

Anixter International announces retirement of CEO Robert J. Eck and appointment of William A. Galvin as new president and CEO

US network and security provider Anixter International announced that Robert J. Eck will resign as chief executive officer at the end of June 2018. Eck will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors. William A. Galvin will replace Eck to become president and CEO, effective July. Galvin has served as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer since July 2017.

Commenting on the transition, Sam Zell, chairman of the group, said, “During Bob Eck’s tenure the company has seen tremendous growth in sales, profitability and shareholder returns. Under his leadership, the company has undergone significant transformation, and continues to deliver new products and services in new markets. We are especially pleased that Bob will continue to serve on our Board of Directors, allowing Anixter to continue benefiting from his many years of company and industry experience.”

Avid Technology announces appointment of Jeff Rosica as CEO

US-based Avid Technologies has announced the appointment of Jeff Rosica as its new group CEO. The company’s former CEO, Louis Hernandez, resigned after the board stated that he violated company policies related to workplace conduct, which led to the board unanimously terminating his employment.

Paulo Nigro appointed as chief executive officer of InterCement

Brazil’s InterCement has announced the appointment of Paulo Nigro as its new CEO. Nigro brings a wealth of experiences with him, having worked as a CEO in multiple countries such as US, Italy, Canada and Brazil over the years and has worked in multiple renowned companies such as Philips, Goodyear, Tetra Pak and Aché Laboratórios.

Enterprise Metals CFO resigns

Sam Middlemas, cFO of Australia’s Enterprise Metals, has resigned from his position at the company. He will be replaced by Patrick Holywell. Holywell brings 15 years of experience with him, having worked as a chartered accountant in corporate governance, finance and accounting.

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