Principal move for French Duncan's Blackburn
French Duncan, the mid-tier accountancy firm, has promoted Eileen Blackburn to principal partner of its Edinburgh office.
Ms Blackburn, who retains her role as head of French Duncan’s business recovery and insolvency division, joined the firm 12 years ago. She has more than 25 years’ experience of advising the SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector and individuals experiencing financial difficulties.
Ms Blackburn said: “I’m delighted to assume this expanded role within the firm and look forward to working alongside my partners, directors, managers and staff as we embark upon an ambitious programme of development within Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.”
Managing partner Graeme Finnie said: “As part of an ongoing programme of change, we have created the new role of principal partner within the firm and I am very pleased that Eileen has accepted this position, giving her specific responsibility and authority for ensuring that our Edinburgh office is managed in the most effective manner possible.
“Eileen is renowned for her experience in dealing with all insolvency procedures and giving advice across a wide sector base on the most appropriate course of action in any given circumstance and I’m certain she will achieve similar renown in her role as our principal partner in Edinburgh.”
Leadership role for Blair at Livingston James
RECRUITMENT firm Livingston James has appointed Paul Blair to lead its executive search and leadership advisory practice in Scotland.
Mr Blair joins having held roles such as head of HR and global HR director at Aegon and Wood Group PSN. He is currently on the boards of Scottish Business in the Community and Dancebase.
Jamie Livingston, founding director of Livingston James, said Mr Blair’s experience gives him a “unique and hugely valuable perspective from which to advise our clients on their key strategic appointments.
Mr Livingston said: “Attracting someone of Paul’s calibre and background is a real coup for Livingston James and is testimony to our commitment to continue to raise the bar in our sector."
ACE boost management board
ACE Winches, the deck machinery specialist, has boosted its senior management team by appointing two directors.
Richard Wilson, who recently joined ACE to head its engineering division, will join the management board as chief operating officer on November 30.
He will replace Graham Thomson, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family and focus on private business interests after 27 years in the industry.
Hayley Yule, who was recently appointed as marketing and communications director, joins the senior management team with responsibility for overseeing the company’s marketing and IT functions. Ms Yule has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and information technology through working with several international suppliers supporting the energy sector.
Alfie Cheyne, chief executive of ACE Winches said: “The board of management would like to thank Graham for his significant contribution to the development of ACE Winches over the last three years.”
“Our current focus is on streamlining our business operations, developing and introducing innovation to our products and services whilst continuing to build our international presence further to meet our customers’ requirements. Both Richard and Hayley will play key roles in the execution of these developments and our long term strategy to continue to expand and grow our global reach.”
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