Companies across the North East have announced a series of key appointments and promotions this week, spanning sectors from energy and accounting to legal and wealth management. The new hires and internal advancements reflect ongoing growth and investment in the region's professional services landscape.
RMT Accountants & Business Advisors
RMT Accountants & Business Advisors has bolstered its audit team with two senior recruits as part of its continued investment to meet rising client demand. Joe Mackie-Walsh has joined the Gosforth-based firm as an associate director, while Becky Barker has taken on the role of audit manager.
Originally from Darlington, Mr Mackie-Walsh moved to London after graduating from Newcastle University to work for one of the UK's Big Four firms before returning to the North East. He brings over a decade of experience across a broad range of sectors, gained at leading regional professional services firms and private businesses. Ms Barker also began her career in London after graduating from Durham University and has over eight years of audit experience in both the capital and the North East.
Paul Gainford, director of commercial services at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, commented: "We've seen a surge in new business wins over recent months from a wide range of clients, and we've been building our audit team to ensure the support and advice they need is on hand. Joe and Becky are excellent additions to this team, with both the personal and professional qualities that will help them thrive at RMT, and we're expecting to see further new recruits joining us in the coming months."
Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid has made two senior leadership appointments to strengthen its regional operations. Paul McGinlay has joined the executive team as director of regional operations, bringing more than 20 years of senior leadership experience from the telecoms sector. He previously led a team of around 3,500 engineers as director of operations for the North of England at Openreach. At Northern Powergrid, he now leads the regional operations directorate, the company's largest, comprising approximately 1,800 colleagues across the North East and Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Brad Jobson has been appointed general manager for Northumberland, County Durham, and Tyne and Wear. He has spent nearly three years at Northern Powergrid, most recently as commercial manager for the company's energy flexibility offering, where he played a key role in supporting the transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity network. In his new role, he will be responsible for regional operational performance, safety leadership, and delivering business plans across the North East.
RWO
Newcastle-based engineers RWO has strengthened its geoenvironmental and ground engineering operations with two appointments. Neil Jones has extended his contract as geoenvironmental services associate director, having joined the Seaton Burn company two years ago after a brief retirement. With over 40 years of experience, Mr Jones will continue to oversee the design and preparation of geotechnical solutions for clients including national housebuilders and developers, as well as staff development, training, and technical compliance.
The company also welcomes Spencer Ollivier as an experienced geotechnical engineer. His role includes geohazard assessments, desk studies, site walkovers, planning, supervising, and reporting on ground investigations, along with preparing specifications and reports. Department head and director Chris Rudd said: "It's great to have Spencer onboard and extend Neil's time with us. Both are assets to the business as we move forward and invaluable members of the RWO team."
Richard Reed Solicitors
Sunderland-based Richard Reed Solicitors has announced the expansion of its conveyancing department. The team, led by director and solicitor Nicola Bennell, has promoted Steven Douglas to associate solicitor and welcomed Kathryn Musgrove as a solicitor. Savannah Beckett and Hannah Cullen have also recently joined the team, along with paralegals Lynn Liddle and Lucy Cardy.
Other strategic appointments include Matthew Lockey, promoted to head of private family law after joining the firm in May 2023, and Helena Dar, who has joined as a solicitor in the wills, trusts, and probate team. Managing director Sarah Reid said: "We are delighted to welcome a number of new colleagues to the firm and to recognise the achievements of our newly promoted team members, Matthew and Steven. This period of growth is a testament to the hard work of our people and the trust our clients place in us. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on delivering a personal, high-quality service across all areas of the business. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in them at every stage of their careers."
CMP Products
CMP Products has appointed Demos Hoursoglou as its new chief operating officer to drive productivity and sustainable growth. Mr Hoursoglou brings extensive senior leadership experience across engineering and manufacturing environments, with a strong track record of delivering operational transformation programmes. His priorities include enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening safety standards, and investing in people development.
Mr Hoursoglou joins CMP from RLC Aerospace Limited, where he served as director of operations for over a year, and previously worked for Jaguar Land Rover and Honda UK. He said: "I'm delighted to be joining CMP at such an important stage in its growth journey. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about improving operational performance, driving efficiency and building strong, engaged teams. CMP's clear commitment to sustainable growth and continuous improvement makes this an exciting opportunity." His appointment follows the announcement that chief operating officer Steve Holt will retire at the end of May after nearly 38 years with the business.
Robson Laidler Wealth
Newcastle wealth management firm Robson Laidler Wealth has appointed Hannah Witty as a chartered financial planner and associate director. Ms Witty, originally from West Sussex, brings over 15 years of financial advice experience to the firm and will play a key role in supporting growth while enhancing service for new and existing clients. She was previously a financial adviser at Wades Financial Services and began her career at Three Counties, where she gained her professional qualifications.
Directors Neil and Amanda Cowie, who have known Ms Witty professionally for many years, are pleased to welcome her. The mum-of-three is passionate about driving change and empowering women in financial services, noting that only 15 to 17% of financial advisers in the UK are female. She said: "I'm excited to be joining Robson Laidler Wealth at such an important time in its journey. I've always admired the firm's independent, family-led approach and its dedication to putting clients first. I look forward to contributing to the team and supporting clients in achieving their financial goals. I'm proud to be stepping into a senior role and helping to model what's possible for high-performing women in financial services."
