The key moves at influential companies across the North East

PD Ports

PD Ports has announced the appointment of Michelle Robson to its executive leadership team.

As Chief People and Compliance Officer, Michelle will be responsible for a broad range of key functions across the PD Ports Group, including HR; health, safety and environment; resilience, business continuity and security; Harbour Police and the Harbour Office.

Michelle has a strong leadership background and extensive experience leading people strategies that deliver clear business results. She joins PD Ports from Indicia Worldwide, where she was Global Chief People Officer, responsible for the company’s international people strategy.

Michelle Robson (Image: PDP)

She also has previous experience in senior leadership roles, including more than 20 years working in shipbuilding and the oil and gas offshore industry in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, as well as experience in manufacturing and engineering.

Michelle Robson said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking and dynamic business, with a strong track record of performance and people development.

“While I have a background in maritime, ports and logistics are a new sector for me - I want not only to understand our business but to also understand the customers and communities we serve.

 “I’ll be looking at our existing plans and priorities to see how I can build on these to help shape the future, making sure we are a safe and great place to work.”

PD Ports’ current Director of Human Resources and Statutory Compliance, Jon Armstrong, will step down from the role this summer, following a transition period with Michelle.

Frans Calje, chief executive officer at PD Ports, said: “A business is only as good as the people it employs – it is vital that as a major employer for the region that we take the lead in living up to our core values as a business, supporting and developing our workforce both professionally and personally.

“Michelle brings a wealth of experience to her new role with PD Ports and I look forward to seeing her impact on the business.

“Jon has played a fundamental role in keeping PD Ports strong and resilient in the face of some of the most turbulent times in recent years.”

Constructing Excellence

Constructing Excellence North East has announced Nik Turner, executive director of communities and customer service at believe housing, as its new chair.

Nik, succeeds Carol Cairns, who represented Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) on the board and will be supported by Lee Francis, chief executive of RE:GEN Group, who is vice chair.

Having served on the board for five years, Nik has stepped forward to drive the leadership team, working alongside Constructing Excellence North East chief executive Catriona Lingwood, to help the region’s construction sector maximise its value and position.

Nik, said: “We have weathered many external changes and industry challenges over the last couple of years. However, Constructing Excellence North East has a vital role to play bringing members together to drive change and create real success for our region. Now, more than ever, as we move forward with devolution, we want to deliver a collective voice for our members, ensuring that policy makers and key stakeholders understand the needs and aspirations of our sector.

“We are keen to grow our membership, in particular, we want to target sub-contractors, SMEs and house builders who are currently under-represented across our membership. Those that have joined, have shared that they have really seen the benefit of working alongside main contractors, clients and other professionals and we are keen to voice their stories and encourage others across the North East to join and reap the benefits.”

Pacifica

Pacifica has announced that the former chief executive of HomeServe UK, Martin Bennett, has become the company’s chairman.

Pacifica, based in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, holds a prime position in the appliance repairs and warranty market.

Martin currently holds various chairman roles with businesses in sectors such as technology, finance, and health and wellbeing.

With a background in financial services and advisory, he joined HomeServe plc in 2003 as commercial director, before progressing through the company and becoming chief executive between 2014 and 2018.

Martin Bennett said: “The business is uniquely positioned, being able to provide regulated appliance warranties and on-demand repairs, all through its own technology and with its own engineer force.

“Pacifica not only keeps households running but does so in a way that has a significantly positive impact on the environment.”

TGA

TGA Consulting Engineers has announced dual promotions.

Dave Warwick and Stephen Weddle have both been promoted to directors, having run specialist teams within TGA that are crucial to the success of the firm’s long-term strategy.

Since joining TGA in 2019, Dave Warwick has established and developed the building performance team and ensured they are an integral part of the TGA team on all projects.

Dave said: “TGA has given me the opportunity to create a building performance team with real strength and depth in all aspects of building performance and sustainable design.”

Stephen Weddle, who has worked at TGA for 23 years, has been promoted to director, head of digital technologies. His journey within TGA began as a trainee.

Stephen said: “We’ve built a team of vibrant and talented individuals who are excited by the benefits that technology and collaboration can bring to the industry.”

RGCF

RG Corporate Finance (RGCF) has welcomed Andy Alexander to the firm as Corporate Finance Executive, as it continues to expand its team to meet demand.

Andy joins the Newcastle-based corporate finance boutique from Azets, formerly MHA Tait Walker, where he spent four years developing his audit expertise working with clients in sectors such as manufacturing, sport, technology and social care.

From Northumberland, he began his career in 2017 at an accountancy firm in the East Midlands alongside studying for a BA Hons Accountancy & Finance degree from Sheffield Hallam University.

Partner, Nick Johnson, Andy Alexander and Partner and Head of CF, Carl Swansbury (Image: CF)

He returned to the North East on MHA Tait Walker’s Graduate Scheme, where he achieved his ACA Chartered Accountancy and audit qualifications.

As part of RGCF, Andy will advise on a variety of M&A transactions, working closely with the RGCF team of more than 20 corporate finance, financial /tax due diligence and transactional tax specialists and an extensive, and growing, regional and national portfolio of clients.

Andy Alexander, CF Executive at RGCF, said: “RGCF has built a great reputation, and its pipeline of work reflects both its standing in the UK M&A market as well as the demand for the quality services and advice it provides.”

Carl Swansbury, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at RGCF, said: “Andy is a very talented rising star and I’m delighted we’ve been able to attract him to RGCF, as a corporate finance executive. We are building a national CF team with a strong blend of talent and experience that can provide our clients with practical, contemporary and objective advice to ensure the best possible outcome from their transactions.

“Andy has the opportunity to develop his career with RGCF, gaining expertise and experience that will serve him and our clients well in the coming years.”