With the Gloucestershire business scene abuzz with activity this February 2025, SoGlos looks at eight of the most notable hires in the last month, from the new county council chief executive, to the former Gloucester Rugby player rejoining the club in a commercial capacity.
Cheltenham businessman appointed to board of global marketing advisory firm
Cheltenham business owner and investor, Oliver Bruce, has been appointed to the senior leadership team of global marketing agency consultancy firm, Agency Futures.
Owner and founder of Pinpoint Media, which has offices in London and Cape Town as well as Cheltenham, Oliver becomes a board advisor for the leading mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm, which focuses on helping agency owners around the world build their businesses.
Bringing a deep understanding of growth strategy, creative performance and leadership, Oliver will provide practical, experience-driven advice and firsthand insight into the challenges of independent agency ownership to both agency founders and prospective buyers in his new role.
Leading Cheltenham law firm announces two new equity partners to boost leadership team
One of Gloucestershire's fastest-growing law firms, Lodders, has announced the promotion of two new equity partners at its Cheltenham office.
Dawn Oliver works across all areas of private client law with specialisms in lifetime and estate planning, joining Lodders in 2024. Andrew Wylde is head of the dispute resolution team and joined the firm back in March 2021, before being promoted to partner in July 2022 and now equity partner in 2025.
Managing partner Paul Mourton, said of their appointments: 'Lodders is continuing to see a sustained growth in instructions for both our dispute resolution and private client advice and Andrew and Dawn’s promotions will be the catalyst for further growth in these core areas.'
Former Gloucester Rugby player appointed as club commercial sales director
Already a familiar name to Cherry and Whites fans, former Gloucester Rugby player and successful businessman, James Forrester, has been appointed as the club's commercial sales director.
James, who made 144 appearances in the back row for Gloucester between 1999 and 2008, says his return in a commercial capacity is 'a huge honour to have the opportunity to give back to a club that has given me so much'.
He joins the club's board in a role that will also see him maintain his commercial responsibilities for the Gloucester-Hartpury women's team — of which he's currently CEO — with all commercial rights for the Premiership Women's Rugby champions transfering to Gloucester Rugby as part of the move.
New chair appointed to bring 'fresh perspective' to Gloucester BID
Gloucester business owner Becci Zawadzki has been appointed as the new chair of the city's business improvement district.
The BID describes Becci, who owns Norville Opticians on Eastgate Street, as a 'great advocate' for Gloucester, having been a part of the local business community for many years.
Becci says she's 'looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective and ideas' to the BID, 'having more involvement with businesses, getting their input and giving them more value for money' in her new role.
Cotswold Airport appoints Heathrow safety head to its board of directors
The UK's largest private aerodrome, Cotswold Airport, has appointed experienced aviation safety head, Paul Waite, to its senior team, bolstering its aim of providing 'a safe and enjoyable' space for all of its users.
Paul takes up a director position at the Cirencester airport alongside his current role with NATS, the UK's primary air traffic services provider, where he is head of safety, performance and improvement at Heathrow Airport.
He joins the airport with a view to leading the safety aspect of its innovative growth and sustainability projects, including its drive toward net zero and businesses based there leading the way on sustainable aviation practices.
New chief executive appointed at Gloucestershire County Council
Experienced council leader and Gloucestershire resident, Jo Walker, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council.
Jo, the current chief executive of North Somerset Council, is set to transfer to Gloucestershire in May 2025. The move will see her take the reins from Peter Bungard, who is retiring this spring following 20 years in the role.
It comes as the council considers the future of local government in Gloucestershire as the lead authority on devolution, with its preferred option being the formation of a single unitary council — like North Somerset — amalgamating the county council and six district councils in Gloucestershire.
Cheltenham-based marketing specialist expands with new group account director
Cheltenham-based email marketing specialist Acquirz is further expanding its operations following a successful 2024, with the addition of 'a bit of northern charm' to its senior team.
The agency, which provides B2B data and email marketing solutions to help a range of businesses acquire new customers, appoints Andy Currie, who has more than 30 years of experience in the sector, as group account director.
In his new role, Andy will support the team to build on current business pipelines, whilst also acquiring new leads.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet appoints two new managers to 'positively shape' summer 2025 opening
Two new managers have been appointed at the county's new luxury shopping centre, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, as the team gears up for its first phase opening this summer.
The management team at Gloucestershire property developer Robert Hitchins' highly anticipated retail and dining destination welcomes Paul Lacey as operations manager and Hannah Swithenbank as marketing and engagement manager.
In his new role, Paul Lacey will be responsible for the smooth running of daily operations and guest experience to ensure a 'safe, welcoming environment for all'; while Hannah Swithenbank joins with a remit to 'positively shape' the launch and ongoing marketing strategy for the centre.
