Career moves: ITV, 2 Sisters and more

ITV’s finance director steps down

British commercial TV network ITV has announced that its COO and group finance director Ian Griffiths will retire in 2019. Griffiths has confirmed that he will continue his assigned duties until a successor is appointed. He joined ITV in 1998 as a finance director and eventually became the CFO in April 2017. Commenting on his departure, Griffiths said: “I am immensely proud of everything that we have achieved at ITV, not least in keeping the business together through the financial crisis and then delivering strong shareholder returns from 2010 onwards. I will be leaving a great team and a business in good shape.”

2 Sisters Food Group appoints new CFO

UK-based food manufacturing company 2 Sisters Food Group announced the recruitment of Craig Tomkinson as its new group chief financial officer, following CFO’s Richard Pike’s decision to step down. Tomkinson currently serves as finance director for the Food Group’s UK and Ireland arms and will take up office on 1st July 2018. Prior to that, Tomkinson played a crucial role in the takeover of Northern Foods in 2011 and in the acquisition of the British arm of Vion Foods. Speaking about his appointment Tomkinson said, “I’m delighted to be appointed CFO and relish the opportunity to support our new CEO Ronald Kers in developing 2 Sisters into the best everywhere we operate.”

Northgate looks to build on momentum and unveils new CFO

UK-based commercial vehicle rental provider Northgate has recruited Philip Vincent to replace David Tilson as its new CFO. Prior to joining Northgate, Vincent served as the Asia Pacific regional finance director and as a director of group finance and control for SABMiller. He also spent three years as the CFO of BBC Worldwide, following many senior financial roles. It has been confirmed that Vincent will take charge as the chief financial officer of the company in July 2018.

Euronext Dublin CEO quits

Euronext Dublin’s CEO Deirdre Somers has resigned as the head of Euronext Dublin following the sale of the Irish Stock Exchange to its Paris-headquartered rival for €137 million. Somers began her journey with the ISE in 1995 and has served the bourse as chief executive for the last 10 years. It has been confirmed that the exchange’s regulatory officer Daryl Byrne will replace Somers. Somers is an influential figure in the European market infrastructure industry and she currently serves as president of the Federation of European Securities Exchanges.

Speaking about her resignation, Somers said: “After almost a year dedicated to building the best future for the company, I have decided to begin the next chapter of my business career. I am leaving, confident that the integration of the Irish Stock Exchange within Euronext offers the best opportunities for all our clients and stakeholders.”

Limejump adds tech and finance expertise to top team

Electric utility company Limejump has recruited Dan Perrett as its new finance director. Speaking about the new appointment, Limejump CEO and co-founder Erik Nygard said: “We are extremely excited that an individual with the calibre such as Dan has decided to join our closely bonded team and bring his acumen and ideas to our business.”

Close Brothers appoints Mike Morgan as finance director

Merchant banking group Close Brothers has brought Mike Morgan on board to replace Jonathan Howell as its group finance director. Morgan joined the company in 2010 and has served as the chief financial officer of the company’s banking division and as a director of its banking subsidiary, as well. Prior to joining Close Brothers, Morgan held a variety of roles at Scottish Provident and RBS. Most recently, he served as the FD of the wealth management division of RBS. Close Brothers chief executive Preben Prebensen said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Mike to the board and to the role of group finance director. During his eight years with the group, he has provided very effective leadership of the banking finance, IT and operations teams, with an excellent track record of delivery. He brings deep knowledge of the group and its markets, and his appointment ensures strong continuity in the group’s leadership team. I look forward to working closely with him to continue building on the group’s successful business model for future years.”

Baxter’s Food Group appoints new European CEO

Scottish food processing company Baxter’s Food Group (BFG) has promoted John McMullen to the role of the CEO of BFG’s European strategic business unit. McMullen, who was the interim CEO of BFG, originally joined the company as its European technical director. McMullen has over 25 years’ of experience in the food and drink sector and has previously held senior positions at companies such as Princes and HJ Heinz. Commenting on his promotion, McMullen said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role within Baxters, one of the UK’s best-known food businesses. Having held the interim role for a period of time, I have a clear vision for the European business and I look forward to playing my part in its ambitious plans for the future.”

Grafenia finance head Roberts retires

Printer and signage maker Grafenia Plc’s Finance Director Alan Roberts has retired after 12 years of service at the firm. It has been confirmed that Roberts will be replaced by Simon Barrell as the interim finance head of the company. Commenting on Roberts’ retirement, Grafenia Chairman Jan Mohr said: “Alan has been an important member of the Grafenia family for a long time. His contributions during the management transition of the last few years have been valuable, and we’ll miss him.

Unitymedia CEO Schüler appointed Virgin Media COO

UK-based American telecommunications company Liberty Global announced that it has brought Lutz Schuler on board as the COO of the company’s British brand Virgin Media. Schuler currently serves as chief executive of Liberty Global’s German operations arm Unitymedia. Liberty Global has confirmed that Schuler’s role will be filled by current CFO Winfried Rapp.

ESCATEC appoints COO

Global provider of electronic design, development and manufacturing solutions ESCATEC has appointed Juha Arola as COO. Arola will take up the role in July and will be responsible for leading operations at all the manufacturing facilities. Prior to this appointment, Arola joined as ESCATEC as Nordic sales manager in 2006 and from 2008, he served as the general manager of the company’s Mechatronics and Industries wings. He will retain his position as the GM until a replacement is found.

Commenting on Arola’s appointment, ESCATEC group managing director Markus Walther said: “I am excited to announce Juha Arola’s appointment. He has been a key member of ESCATEC’s management team for many years and has made significant contributions to the company’s successful operations in Johor Bahru. As ESCATEC continues to grow and expand, it is important to have a highly competent, well-respected and resourceful executive leading our operations and Juha is well qualified for the job.”

Islamic bank appoints COO

The oldest and largest Sharia compliant bank in the UK, the Al Rayan Bank has recruited Paul McMillan as its new COO. McMillan brings over 20 years of experience with him and has held senior roles in the banking and finance sector with organisations such as Ulster Bank and RBS. McMillan has been involved in banking and mortgage operations and has previously served as the CEO of Acenden, a mortgage services solution business. Speaking about his appointment McMillan said: “My speciality is building effective strategies which support behind the scenes activity in banks. I have spent my career helping teams to innovate and develop, and I am particularly interested in working within the dynamic customer-centric team at Al Rayan Bank.”

InfraStrata appoints new executives

UK-based gas storage company, InfraStrata has recruited John Wood and Andy Duncan as COO and CFO respectively. In his new role, Wood will be responsible for the development of the Islandmagee gas storage project in Northern Ireland. He has worked in the oil and gas sector for a significant amount of time and has held senior roles with companies such as BAE Systems and Aurecon. Duncan, on the other hand, previously served as an executive director for oil and gas at Standard Chartered Bank. He has also worked with the Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the Royal Bank of Scotland and has offered financing to corporates for oil and gas assets across Europe, Africa and America.

CFO Paul Baumann leaves NHS England

NHS England’s Paul Baumann has decided to step down from his role of CFO, to take up the role of a Receiver General at Westminster Abbey. Baumann has been the CFO for NHS England since 2012 and joined the organization back in 2007 as the CFO of NHS London. Speaking about Baumann’s resignation, NHS England CEO Simon Stevens said: “Paul has done a sterling job in the wider NHS for 11 years and at NHS England since it was founded. As we approach the 70th anniversary of the NHS, Paul has done far more than just help steady the ship during a period of intense funding pressure. He has helped drive major gains for both patients and taxpayers both nationally and locally, helping ensure the NHS is now well positioned to develop a long term plan for the decade ahead.”

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