The latest Bondholder appointments and promotions

Wavensmere Homes, Mortgage Advice Bureau, Geldards and Nelsons are among the latest Marketing Derby Bondholders to announce new appointments in recent weeks.

Urban regeneration specialist Wavensmere Homes, which is behind Derby projects including Nightingale Quarter, Friar Gate Goods Yard and Cathedral One, has recruited Chris West to the newly created senior position of finance business partner.

He joins from Avison Young, where he had worked as a senior corporate accountant since 2019.

Wavensmere has created the new permanent role to enable Chris to act as a strategic and operational finance partner across all departments.

By providing an enhanced level of forecasting and financial visibility, he will be instrumental to support the timely deliverability of each live and upcoming development project, together with contributing to the overall continued growth of the multi-award-winning firm.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Chris joins us only six months after Anthony Cakebread started as finance director, which reflects the investment we’re making this year to bolster out senior in-house team.

“There has never been a tougher business climate for SME housebuilders, so this appointment will maintain and enhance our strong appeal with local authorities, landowners, partners and investors.”

Anthony Cakebread said: “Chris’s appointment strengthens the financial rigour behind every project we deliver.

“As our development pipeline continues to scale, having a finance business partner who can provide real‑time insight and strategic challenge is essential to maintaining our momentum and ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality regeneration at pace.”

Mortgage Advice Bureau has appointed Jo Stent as group chief financial officer designate to replace Emilie McCarthy who will leave the business on 30 September to pursue other opportunities.

Jo is currently working alongside Emilie to ensure an orderly transition.

She was formerly chief financial officer of Frontier IP Group PLC, the AIM-listed deep technology investment company, having joined the business in 2024.

Peter Brodnicki, chief executive of Mortgage Advice Bureau, said: “On behalf of MAB, I would like to thank Emilie for her significant contribution to MAB over the past two years.

“Emilie has played an incredibly important role in the MAB group’s development, including supporting the company’s transition from AIM to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. We wish her every success in the future.

“We are delighted that Jo will be joining the MAB group. She brings extensive listed company, financial services and capital markets experience, together with a strong track record of supporting businesses through periods of growth and transformation.

“Jo’s combination of financial leadership, strategic insight and public company experience makes her an excellent addition to the executive team. The board looks forward to working with her as we continue to execute our long-term growth strategy and create value for all stakeholders.”

Law firm Geldards has strengthened its private client team, which advises high net worth clients and entrepreneurs on wealth management, tax planning, wills and trusts, with the appointment of experienced partner Laura Mackin.

Laura joins from Knights, bringing with her almost 20 years of private client expertise.

Specialising in wills and inheritance planning, estate administration and complex multi-generational family planning

Also joining the private client team from Knights is legal assistant Marie Davies.

Geldards’ chair David Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Laura to Geldards private client team.

“She brings with her a first-class reputation for outstanding client care.

“Geldards’ private client team is widely known for its expertise in dealing with complex and high value estates, helping families and business owners to protect their wealth through generations.

“Laura’s astute commercial acumen and experience will further enhance the excellent service our clients can expect from us.”

Finally, law firm Nelsons has announced three new promotions, including Bianca Gregory, who has been made senior associate in its Derby private client team after an impactful 18 months with the firm.

Meanwhile, Gemma Hopper (court of protection) and Peter Abel (corporate) have been made partners at the Nottingham office.

Managing partner Stewart Vandermark said: “It is always a proud moment to announce our promotions, and I congratulate Gemma, Peter and Bianca on their well-deserved success.

“Gemma and Peter will bring fresh strategic energy to our partnership in Nottingham, while Bianca’s progression strengthens our offering in Derby.

“These promotions include both long-standing team members who have progressed through the firm and individuals who joined us more recently.

“This reflects the open, merit-based culture at Nelsons, where we recognise and reward achievement.

“By investing in our people and working as a team, we support each other to drive shared success and deliver an exceptional client experience.”