Aquila makes key moves

AQUILA Insight, the data analytics company, has appointed Neil Carden as director of business development in its Edinburgh office.

Mr Carden, formerly of the Co-operative Group, joins at the same time as Matt Hollingsworth, who takes up the post of general manager of Aquila's London office. Mr Hollingsworth was previously with data specialist Acxiom.

As insight director at the Co-op, Mr Carden specialised on customer research and analysis, customer targeting and measuring marketing effectiveness.

He held senior roles at a number of major companies, including KPMG and at MasterCard, before joining the group.

Mr Carden said: "I have been incredibly impressed by Aquila Insight's ability to bridge the gap between the technical and business functions and translate data into action."

Consultancy gets Blunt

RENEWABLES consultancy SgurrEnergy, a Wood Group company, has hired David Blunt as a senior advisor to the business at its headquarters in Glasgow.

The appointment is part of plans by the growing company to develop new markets.

Mr Blunt has joined SgurrEnergy after three years with wind energy company Gamesa, where he was most recently managing director for the UK. He previously spent more than 30 years in the UK diplomatic service.

Mr Blunt said: "SgurrEnergy is one of the UK's big success stories in the renewable energy sector. I am delighted to be working alongside this dynamic and highly professional team in an economic sector which not only mitigates the dramatic threats from climate change but also brings real benefits to vulnerable communities, such as those struggling with inadequate energy supplies in many parts of the world.

"I greatly look forward to helping to drive forward SgurrEnergy's continued growth and success."

Wealth of experience

STANDARD Life Wealth, the Edinburgh-based discretionary fund manager, has hired Andy Brodie as head of operations.

Mr Brodie, who will be based in London, will manage the manager's operations function and third party suppliers.

He will be part of the leadership team and report to chief executive Richard Charnock.

Mr Brodie previously worked as a director with Barclays in the wealth and investment management sector as head of UK and western Europe and global head of credit operations. Before that he held roles with O2 and Sky.

Mr Charnock said: "We are delighted that Andy has joined Standard Life Wealth as Head of Operations. His direct wealth management capabilities combined with cross industry expertise will be an asset to the business and important in our strategic development.

Meanwhile, former head of operations Karen Storie, has become head of business management.

Ultimate brings four on board

ULTIMATE Finance has brought four experienced asset-based lenders on board at its Glasgow office, just four months after moving into Scotland.

Lynsey Innes, Euan Bell, Mandy Butler and Lisa Waldman have a combined experience of more than sixty years in the sector.

Ms Waldman, Ms Butler and Ms Innes have joined from Aldermore Bank, where they previously worked with Richard Waldman, who launched the Ultimate Glasgow office in February.

All bring expertise in invoice finance and providing clients with funding to help them to grow.

Ms Butler and Ms Waldman have been appointed to client facing and operational roles, while Lynsey has become regional director for sales.

Mr Bell has also been appointed regional director and joins as one of the few specialists in construction finance in Scotland. He was previously at Bibby Financial Services where he worked on major deals with companies in the construction sector.