This week's Yorkshire appointments

Chris Hughes, Source Marketing Communications

Leeds agency Source Marketing Communications has appointed Chris Hughes as director.

With over 20 years’ agency experience in the PR and digital marketing space, Chris will largely be focused on driving further growth within the agency, helping oversee its strategic direction and expanding its digital PR offering.

Chris joins from Boutique where he occupied the role of associate director for over three years.

Commenting on his appointment, fellow Source director Martha Phillips said: “Having known Chris for over 17 years and previously worked together both agency and client-side, I knew he would be the perfect fit to strengthen the senior management team and help drive the business forward.

“His proven PR pedigree, coupled with his experience across a wealth of major brands in the digital marketing space, can only enhance our client proposition and accelerate our ambitious growth aims.”

Chris added: “This is a really exciting time to join Source as it embarks on its next phase of expansion.

“The agency has built an excellent reputation in the industry, works with some superb clients and has a hugely experienced team in place – it’s an honour to be on board.”

Matt Kirk, iSource Group

Digital and change management recruitment specialist iSource Group has appointed Matt Kirk as associate director.

With more than 10 years’ experience in recruitment, Matt will be tasked with winning and retain new business for the firm.

Matt commented: “I’m already enjoying my time at iSource. Right now, I’m focussed on contributing whatever time, advice and encouragement I can to the wider team. I can really feel the positivity everyone has and dare I say it, there’s a real belief in what we’re doing. That is genuinely rare to find.

“At iSource everyone is out to help each other and to work towards a common goal. The level that people are at, including the trainees, surpasses anything I’ve seen anywhere else and that is really encouraging.”

Managing director of iSource Group, Geoff Shepherd, added: “Matt is a great addition to our growing team.

“He brings the experience and the attitude we are looking for. Things are changing so quickly at the business, and we need the right people around us to take us to the next level.”

Paul Smith and Alex Mitcheson, RWO

Civil and structural engineering firm RWO has announced two senior appointments.

Paul Smith joins as a senior civil engineer while Alex Mitcheson has been promoted to the position of principal engineer.

With more than 30 years’ residential experience, Paul will be part of the civils team, providing design work for regional and national house builders, contractors and developers.

A member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Alex will be involved in RWO’s range of commercial and residential civil engineering work, as well as supporting the senior management team in project planning and development.

Managing director Ross Oakley commented: “Our investment in Paul and Alex alongside other experienced and talented people is the linchpin of providing top quality advice to our clients.

“We look forward to both contributing to our ongoing success and adding significantly to the team’s knowledge, capabilities and all-round experience.”

Kerry Russell, Shakespeare Martineau

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has appointed Kerry Russell as legal director.

Specialist intellectual property lawyer Kerry, who has more than nine years’ experience, has particular knowledge in patents and technology, and also advises clients in relation to trade marks, confidential information, advertising, design rights and copyright.

Kerry originally joined Shakespeare Martineau in 2010 as a paralegal, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2013 and being promoted to legal director in September 2020.

Kerry commented: “I am very excited to have moved to the Sheffield hub and to be helping expand our profile in the city and wider South Yorkshire area.

“There is a significant push for investment in the region, particularly as part of the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The plans to develop the Sheffield City Region are bold and ambitious, and Shakespeare Martineau is keen to be part of the mayor’s strategy to create a stronger, greener and fairer region.”

Victoria Tester, managing director of the life and business unit at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Intellectual property is a growing legal service as increased digitalisation both expands and adds complexity to the world of licensing and data protection.

“We are continuing our investment in the Yorkshire market and we are thrilled to welcome Kerry to the Sheffield team – a move that will help to boost this commitment.”

Chris Harvey, Aon

Professional services firm Aon plc has appointed Chris Harvey as its regional head of the Humber.

Chris, who has 27 years of industry experience from Norwich Union (now Aviva) and Henderson Insurance Broking Group, has been promoted from head of office for Hull to head of region for Humber.

Chris joined Henderson Insurance Broking Group in 1995 and was based at Kirmington before moving to the Hull office in 2003, and has a range of local market knowledge and experience.

In his new role, Chris will lead the 30-strong team of insurance and risk management specialists as they support clients with general risk and insurance, risk management and consultancy and employee health and benefits.

Chris commented: “The main challenge for many businesses in the Humber region will be to get their revenues back up to pre-COVID-19 levels, as well as manage costs.

“At the same time, the insurance market has hardened, insurance premiums have gone up and capacity has reduced on certain risks.”

“Combining the expertise from both offices and drawing on the team’s vast local knowledge, backed by Aon’s global reach and expertise, means we are well placed to advise clients. I am looking forward to a new challenge and working with colleagues to continue to help our clients make better decisions.”

Katy Hansom, Andrew Jackson

Law firm Andrew Jackson has appointed Katy Hansom as partner.

Katy brings to the role several years of specialist experience, particularly in the areas of Intellectual Property and commercial contracts.

Katy said: “I am really delighted to return to Andrew Jackson where I began my career 18 years ago.

“I have always had an interest in how the firm has developed and grown over the years, as well as its leading reputation for corporate and commercial work.

“I am really looking forward to playing a key role in ensuring that the team continues to build on its strong position by providing an outstanding service, which is build around our clients’ specific needs.”

Andrew Funnell, partner and head of the corporate department at Andrew Jackson, said: “Katy’s specific knowledge and expertise of IP and commercial law will be of great benefit to our clients, as demand for this area of practice continues to grow.

“Andrew Jackson’s commitment to offering legal advice and services covering corporate and commercial work is consistently recognised in our client feedback, and we are committed to continuing to build our team so that we can provide the highest standards in service and value for our clients.

“Katy shares our commitment to delivering the best possible service to our clients, so we are particularly delighted to see her return to the firm.”