City Moves: Who’s switching jobs in the Square Mile this week?
City A.M.’s Millie Turner provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every Wednesday afternoon. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured.
Irwin Mitchell poaches Slater & Gordon employment lead
London law firm Irwin Mitchell has poached another Slater & Gordon lead this week as a new partner who will be based in its Holborn office.
Deborah Casale, formerly Slater & Gordon’s national head of employment, is set to join Irwin Mitchell’s London Employment and Professional Discipline team as easing restrictions breathe life back into the capital.
Casale’s arrival follows that of ex-Slater & Gordon Danielle Parsons who also joined the firm’s London Employment team in April, which is headed by Shah Qureshi.
Qureshi said: “Deborah is a significant addition to our team and the move is another signal of our intention to invest in growth, whilst continuing to provide clients with first class legal support.”
With experience in negotiating high value settlement agreements and reviewing employment contracts across a wide range of sectors, Casale is set to advise on whistleblowing, equal pay disputes and unfair dismissal.
The incoming partner also advises employees on all aspects of discrimination including sex, pregnancy and maternity, disability and race discrimination claims.
“She is highly regarded in her field and her client centric approach fits ours perfectly. Deborah will be an asset as we continue to grow,” director of legal services in the Commercial Advisory & Disputes team, Fergal Dowling, said.
UK Government Investments bolsters leads ahead of recovery
The UK Government Investment’s branch (UKGI) has posted three new directors to its senior management team this week, as the country gears up towards post-pandemic recovery.
Chief executive of UKGI, Charles Donald, said: “These appointments strengthen UKGI’s senior team and enhance our ability to provide high quality advice and support across government.”
Lorna Gratton will be joining from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in October where she is currently director for digital and tech policy.
Prior to this, Gratton worked as private secretary to the prime minister for three years and to the chancellor of the exchequer.
Jamie Carter is set to be promoted to director, with immediate effect, after joining the investments branch from the Treasury in 2016.
While Siobhan Duffy, who joined earlier this month, is set to lead UKGI’s Contingent Liability Central Capability (CLCC), a newly formed analytical and advisory unit set up to bolster contingent liability expertise across government.
With around 25 years’ experience in debt capital markets, Duffy has held several leadership roles across NatWest Markets and RBS.
Mazars posts new forensics partner to London office
Tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars has hired a new partner for its Forensic and Investigation Services team, who will be based in London.
Sandy Cowan joins from Grant Thornton and is set to focus on growing the 40-strong forensic team in disputes, with a particular focus on international opportunities arising from current market uncertainty in the wake of both Covid-19 and Brexit.
Cowan holds extensive professional memberships and accreditations including Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the position of Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist.
The incoming partner has also been recognised in Who’s Who Legal as an Expert Witness in International Arbitration.
“His expertise, in particular within international arbitration, will be a huge asset to Mazars and our clients,” partner and head of the forensics team, Chris Drewe, said.
Reed shifts leadership as it pivots towards ‘careers marketplace’
Recruitment company Reed has confirmed changes to its leadership team this week as its pivots to becoming a ‘careers marketplace’ post-pandemic.
The pandemic sent shockwaves through the employment sector, which Reed looks to capitalise on with its new focus on jobseekers.
After over a decade in the business, Simon Wingate has been appointed as managing director, after holding down a string of roles including transformation director and most recently, commercial director.
Wingate will be supported at the senior level by former Reed Courses director, Pierre Vangrevelyngne, who has this week been appointed managing director of subsidiary Reed Learning.
“I’m delighted to announce both Simon and Pierre’s promotions, as we look to bring Reed.co.uk’s jobs, courses and career advice offerings closer together,” group chairman James Reed, said.