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This week's North East appointments

Get caught up with all the latest appointments in the region this week with Bdaily North East.

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Mike Rohan, Technically Compatible Technically Compatible, a tech firm based out of Sunderland Software City, has announced that sales director Mike Rohan has been appointed as the company’s new chief executive officer as it looks to embark on international expansion.

The business, which recently received support from North Star Ventures, provides businesses with IT skills testing to help them improve their hiring process.

Rohan only joined the business earlier this year having previously held a senior sales position at North East tech giant Sage.

He will now work with the firm’s 10-strong workforce to take advantage of recent international contract wins in markets including the Philippines, the US and Australia.

Rohan said: “I joined Technically Compatible because the company offered the opportunity to be a part of the leadership team at a dynamic North East business with a category-killing product.

“It’s fantastic to be in the position now to lead this business and ensure we have a very clear plan for expansion, that the whole team understand and can contribute to.

“We are a hugely ambitious business, and I will be ensuring that we fulfill the enormous potential we have in my new role as CEO.”

Sarah Wilshire, Jane Jubb, Rebecca Joy; Burnetts

The Newcastle office at Burnetts Solicitors have welcomed three new recruits to form a new commercial property team.

Led by senior associate and Newcastle native Sarah Wilshire, the new team will link up with Burnetts’ Carlisle office to provide them with access to a wide network of contacts.

Working under Sarah will be recent recruits Rebecca Joy and Jane Jubb, with Jane having worked as part of Lloyds Bank Securities Centre in Newcastle while Rebecca carries a law degree from Durham.

Sarah said: “I’m looking forward to working with Richard Miller and the property team at Burnetts and being able to provide commercial property services to lenders, pension funds and businesses looking to buy, sell or lease properties.

“Burnetts has a strong reputation with commercial clients such as Santander, HSBC and InvestAcc, a major pension fund administrator, as well as other regional banks and building societies so there’s lots of scope to grow the business in the North East.”

Phil McDonnell, SSC Laser

Stafford-headquartered manufacturing business SSC Laser has appointed a new business development manager for the North East to steer the firm’s growth in North East and Yorkshire.

Hailing from Newcastle, Phil McDonnell will look to open up new opportunities for the business across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Teesside and Darlington, as well as cities and towns across Yorkshire.

Phil said: “I’ve worked in the industry since 1992 and have even had my own company providing similar laser cutting services, so I’m really looking forward to continuing to do what I love with the support of a professional team behind me.

“During my time in the sector I’ve heard great things about SSC Laser and I’m looking forward to meeting with all of their fantastic clients, plus some new faces, and continuing to provide them with the high-quality service they’ve come to expect.”

Bryce Glover, Newcastle Building Society

Newcastle Building Society has strengthened its Board with the appointment of former Nationwide Building Society director, Bryce Glover, as non executive director.

Bryce brings with him significant experience having held positions at Executive Committee and Board level in a number of leading UK financial services businesses.

Bryce said: “I’m passionate about the future of the mutual sector, which has an important role to play in financial services and in wider society.

“The continuing growth and ambition of Newcastle Building Society and its subsidiary companies make it a particularly exciting place to be. I’m looking forward to making a contribution to this ongoing success.”

Chief executive, Andrew Haigh added: “Bryce has an impressive track record across a range of household name businesses. His experience and skill set will bring additional value to our Board. We’re looking forward to working with him to continue the successful work currently underway.”

Steve Rowe, Vertu Motors

Vertu Motors plc has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Steve Rowe as Finance and Insurance Director.

Steve joins the major motor retailer from competitors Pendragon Plc, where he cut his teeth in the motor retail industry, and where he worked for almost 17 years.

Initially starting as a business manager working across a number of dealerships, Steve went on to hold senior positions before being appointed as Group Finance and Insurance Director.

Steve Rowe said: “I’m exceptionally pleased to join Vertu Motors. It is an organisation on the up and its customer-centred approach struck a chord with me. Vertu also has a reputation in the industry as really valuing its colleagues and investing in their development, which is something I am also passionate about.

“I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors - several of whom I know from previous roles - and colleagues at a dealership level to develop our strategy and ensure that Vertu customers receive the very best possible retail experience.”

Michael Proud, The Expanded Metal Company

Michael Proud has been appointed as a new engineering manager at Hartlepool-based The Expanded Metal Company.

A highly experienced engineer, Michael has a wide range of technical expertise, having worked in production environments in the manufacturing and recycling sectors.

Michael Proud said: “The Expanded Metal Company has a long tradition of manufacturing in North East England so it’s exciting to be joining the firm and to be part of its highly specialist engineering team.

“I’m looking forward to employing my expertise for the benefit of current and future clients, and to be playing my part in the on-going development of The Expanded Metal Company’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities.”