East Midlands people: Freeths, Finch Consulting, Nelsons, Simoco, Loughborough University, Wattbike & UK Industrial Fusion Solutions

Loughborough Business School:

The Chairman of investment bank UBS, Colm Kelleher (pictured above), has accepted the title of visiting professor of banking and finance at Loughborough Business School.

Colm had a 30-year career with Morgan Stanley, where he served as president until 2019 overseeing both its institutional securities business and wealth management division.

As well as solid leadership experience in banking he has excellent relationships around the world, and a deep understanding of the global banking landscape.

Colm said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed visiting professor by Loughborough Business School.

“I look forward to sharing my insights and experience with the students and faculty. Together we can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of banking and finance.”

Freeths:

Freeths law firm has made eight appointments across its employment, pensions and immigration practice led by Rena Magdani in the Leicester office – spread across the business’s 13 offices including London, Oxford, Leicester, Leeds and Manchester.

The new starters join after its financial results for 2022/3 showed turnover up 14.9 per cent to £129 million – with its employment, pensions and immigration team seeing a 34 per cent increase in turnover in the last four years.

The employment team has been bolstered by Nicola Wallbank joining the Oxford office as a partner, Rob Smedley joining Leeds as a director, Ella Sheppard joining Leicester as a senior associate, associate Phoebe Anand joining the London office, associate Niamh Hogg joining in Manchester, and associate Adele Coupland joining in Sheffield.

In addition, Max Ballad joins the pensions team in Leeds as a director and Irum Saleem joins the immigration team in Leeds as an associate

Rena Magdani, partner and national head of employment, pensions and immigration, said: “We have seen a significant increase in demand for our services and they join us at an exciting time as we continue our growth strategy.”

Finch Consulting:

Leicestershire-based health and safety risk management experts Finch Consulting have appointed mechanical and electrical chartered engineer Tom Leach.

Tom has more than 20 years’ of experience, more recently in roles including surveying, project management, consultancy, and as an associate director. He joins Finch as a senior consultant.

In his new role, he help the business win and deliver work.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining such an agile and multi-disciplined team where I feel I can make my mark and add value to the business. I will also be furthering my professional development through Finch taking on several courses.”

Nelsons:

Nelsons has promoted seven employees across a range of legal departments and its management team in Nottingham.

Commercial property specialist Kieron Crowther has been promoted to partner from legal director, having qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and joining the firm in 2019.

Kieron has experience in land