People on the move: key appointments and promotions of the week

Public affairs firm Stephenson-Mohl Group is continuing its expansion with two new strategic hires.

The Newcastle based consultancy, which marks its seventh anniversary this year, has appointed Georgia Jamieson as public affairs manager in a newly created role, joining the firm after leading the public affairs operations for Virgin Money.

Meanwhile, Alex Kirkup has joined the team as the consultancy’s first public affairs manager from City of Durham MP Mary Foy’s office, where he led on press and communications for the Labour Party politician. Prior to his work with the Labour Party he advised on economic development policy at Sunderland City Council.

Mark Stephenson, managing director of Stephenson-Mohl group, said: “2024 is an enormously important year for elections with significant change expected across local and Westminster politics. Alex and Georgia have a wealth of experience between them and are already working with clients to manage political risk and navigate the shifting policy landscape.”

RSM UK has appointed Mike Thornton as its new regional managing partner for Yorkshire and the North East. In his new role Mr Thornton will continue to strengthen and grow the regional business, overseeing offices across the region including Newcastle and Hull alongside his office managing partner role in Leeds, leading 34 partners and 520 staff.

He joined RSM in 2015 as an audit partner, following four years as a finance director at a medical device manufacturer. He was appointed national head of manufacturing at RSM in 2016, a role he continues to fulfil and was appointed as Leeds office managing partner in November 2020.

Mr Thornton said: “I’m honoured to be leading our North East and Yorkshire team as regional managing partner. I’ve already had the opportunity to work with an exceptional team across a wide range of sectors and service lines in Leeds, and I look forward to working more closely with our Newcastle and Hull offices.”

Kavli UK, part of Kavli Group and the charitable foundation behind Gateshead’s Primula Cheese, has appointed Mark Butel as its new managing director. Having previously been with Kavli UK for over 15 years, including nine years in a role as head of sales, Mr Butel will overseeing the brand’s continued growth in the North East. The group marks its 100th anniversary this year.

He said: “It is an honour to lead Kavli UK during this historic milestone. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with our dedication to continued growth, being socially responsible and working together as a team, will guide us as we continue to provide high-quality products to our consumers.”

North East estate agency group My Property Box has welcomed Nicola Nicholson, Georgia Greenstreet and Georgia Richardson to its team following a raft of recent acquisitions.

Ms Nicholson joins as sales manager and valuer and is responsible for overseeing the sales team, while Ms Greenstreet and Ms Richardson will act as sales negotiators and valuers and will liaise with current and new clients, overseeing sales progression and offers. My Property Box, which covers the Tees Valley, County Durham, Tyneside, Wearside, Northumberland and North Yorkshire, recently launching its own accredited financial services arm and in February it completed its tenth acquisition in six years.

Marie Willmot, sales and lettings director at My Property Box, said: “All three bring invaluable expertise and energy to the team as we experience a renewed interest in sales. Their recruitment reflects our commitment to delivering an unparalleled service to clients.”

DWF has appointed real estate partner Lee Pickett as the new managing partner of its Newcastle office. Mr Pickett studied law in Newcastle and joined DWF’s Newcastle office as a senior associate in 2013. Three years later he was promoted to partner.

With over 25 years of experience, his work focuses on large development and regeneration projects with particular emphasis on mixed use and housing regeneration. Alongside his new role he also co-leads the UK National Public Sector Real Estate Team and formerly headed the Affordable Housing Team.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the team in Newcastle which is comprised of fantastic people excelling in real estate, healthcare, insurance, employment and corporate advice. Our commitment to ESG, diversity and inclusion and making a positive impact in local communities runs deep, and I am eager to build on DWF’s strong culture, values, and business practices.”

Sophie Cragg has qualified as a solicitor within the corporate finance team at Muckle LLP. She joined Muckle in September 2022 on the graduate training programme, where she gained experience in the banking and restructuring, corporate and real estate teams.

She said: “From the first seat of my training contract, I knew straight away that I enjoyed working on corporate transactions, and it is great to have qualified into a team that offers such a collaborative and friendly culture, alongside excellent commercial credentials. For me, the recruitment process was all online due to the pandemic, but as soon as I started at Muckle it was obvious that the firm completely lives up to its reputation of having an approachable and supportive working environment.”