The latest Bondholder appointments and promotions

The University of Derby, Innes England, Geldards, Flint Bishop and Champions (UK) plc are among the latest Marketing Derby Bondholders to announce new appointments.

The University of Derby has appointed Professor Keith McLay as its deputy vice-chancellor to support in driving forward the university’s ambitious growth plans.

Professor McLay, who was previously provost – learning and teaching, brings a wealth of experience to the role, drawing from his time at the university where he has excelled in multiple leadership positions.

Since 2021, Professor McLay, who is also chair of Derby Book Festival, has been a driving force for the learning and teaching agenda, helping the university to secure gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “As an ambitious university with exciting plans for the future we need to ensure we attract and retain the best possible talent as they are instrumental to our success.

“We are therefore delighted to have made an internal appointment, which highlights the calibre of our existing staff and our commitment to fostering growth and development from within.

“Professor McLay is an inspirational and highly regarded leader, committed to delivering excellence and providing our students with the highest quality experience.

“This new role will be key to us realising our ambitions and we look forward to seeing the positive impact Professor McLay will continue to make to our university as its deputy vice-chancellor.”

At the same time, the university has also announced the appointment of Dr Matt Snowden as a new associate provost to lead on industry engagement and to drive forward employability, enterprise and business development.

He joins the university from the University of West London where he was the Dean of Academic Partnerships (UK) and director of research and enterprise operations.

Professor Mitchell said: “I am delighted that Dr Snowden will be joining the university to drive forward our industry engagement work.

“By delivering academic expertise, innovation, and knowledge, alongside a pipeline of student and graduate talent, we can support businesses and other organisations to meet the challenges of the future.”

Commercial property agency Innes England has strengthened its team with the appointment of Kulbinder Mann as facilities, compliance, and health and safety manager.

Kulbinder brings nearly 35 years of industry experience to the role. He has held advisory positions with prominent firms such as Balfour Beatty and Barron McCann, working with leading retail companies.

Innes England’s property and asset management department manages over 1,500 properties.

Kulbinder’s main responsibilities will include overseeing both tenanted and vacant property inspections, maintaining a robust and dynamic approved contractors list, instructing and supervising works, and ensuring all managed properties remain fully compliant and meet the highest standards.

Matt Howson, director at Innes England, said: “Health, safety, and compliance have always been priorities at Innes England.

“Kulbinder’s wealth of experience further strengthens our commitment to these areas, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”

Law firm Geldards has strengthened its employment team with the appointment of senior associate Sue Jennings, who has joined the firm’s Derby office.

She joins from the University of Derby where she headed up the Derby Law School for the past seven years and lectured in employment law.

She has spent the past two decades combining practice as a solicitor specialising in employment law and dispute resolution with academic leadership and training roles.

In addition to her legal role, Sue holds the civic post of Under Sheriff of Derbyshire.

Lowri Phillips, partner and head of employment at Geldards, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sue to Geldards’ employment team.

“Her unique blend of academic, civic and private sector experience enhances our talented team and complements the skills within the team.

“We strive to offer an exceptional legal service to our clients and this latest appointment is testament to Geldards’ commitment to progression and growth.”

Fellow law firm Flint Bishop has bolstered its litigation practice with the appointment of Sarah Burton, who has joined the company from Knights.

She brings more than 20 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation, including a proven track record of managing complex, high-value cases.

Throughout her career, she has developed a deep expertise in commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on resolving property-related disputes.

She also possesses a wealth of international experience, having spent 12 years offshore handling cross-border cases involving partnership disputes, shareholder disagreements, and professional negligence claims.

Chief executive Qamer Ghafoor said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the commercial litigation team.

“Her vast experience in both UK and offshore markets, coupled with her leadership in significant cases, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our services.

“Sarah’s addition to the team further enhances Flint Bishop’s ability to provide top-tier legal expertise and supports the firm’s ongoing growth in the commercial litigation arena.

“This significant appointment follows a series of recent senior hires as the firm continues its commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients and fits perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality legal support across all sectors.”

Growth consultancy Champions (UK) plc has strengthened its creative and content team with seven new appointments.

The family-led company, which incorporates business growth, after-dinner speaking, music and entertainment, celebrity talent, and events – was set up in 2003 and employs nearly 100 full-time staff.

The new arrivals are Wayne Rees (graphic designer), Sophie Turrill (content executive), Mark Lawrence (PR executive), Coby Allen (creative media executive) Oliver Hunter (marketing executive), Ryan Jhaj (strategy executive) and Taylor Morley (digital marketing executive).

Matthew Hayes, managing director at Champions, said: “We’re delighted to be adding to the talent in our creative team to help manage the increasing output for our clients.

“I am sure they will all prove to be real assets for the company and welcome them into the Champions team. I look forward to working with them.”