The North East business landscape is experiencing a significant boost with a series of strategic appointments across key sectors. Leading law, finance, and renewable energy firms have strengthened their teams with experienced professionals, highlighting ongoing investment and confidence in the region's economy.
Finance and Legal Sectors Expand Teams
RG Corporate Finance (RGCF) has appointed Joe Johnston as a corporate finance executive. Mr Johnston joins from PwC's Newcastle office, where he was a senior associate. His move supports RGCF's expansion across the North East, Yorkshire, and London, driven by a growing national client base and increased deal activity.
Mr Johnston praised the firm's reputation as a dynamic boutique with strong regional foundations and a national outlook. Meanwhile, national law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed Wayne Lynn as head of its family law team in the North East. This follows the planned retirement in April of Ian Kennerley and Kim Fellowes, founders of Silk Family Law, which Irwin Mitchell acquired in 2024.
Mr Lynn, a Silk alumni with over 30 years' experience in complex, high-value family law, will lead a 20-strong team in Newcastle and Aske. Clare Wiseman of Irwin Mitchell stated the retiring partners leave the team in good hands following a successful integration.
Marketing and Renewable Energy Expertise Bolstered
Law firm Sintons has expanded its marketing team with the arrival of PR consultant Jo Dunbar. A journalist for over 20 years, Ms Dunbar has held staff roles at publications including The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, and has freelanced for titles from The Daily Telegraph to Grazia. She has also worked on campaigns for Comic Relief and ITV.
She expressed delight at joining the team to bolster Sintons' marketing offering. Managing partner Christopher Welch noted the appointment was part of a series of new hires made throughout 2025, aimed at celebrating the firm's success.
In the green energy sector, Sunderland-based developer OnPath Energy has hired Rod Gardner as its new head of health, safety, security, and environment. Mr Gardner brings over four decades of experience from Northern PowerGrid, having started as a YTS trainee in 1984 and risen through engineering and project leadership roles.
He stated the role allows him to share his career experience while contributing to OnPath's exciting green energy projects, aligning with his motivation to make a difference.
New Rural Business Agency Launched
Property consultancy GSC Grays has appointed Katherine Wigham to lead its newly formed rural business and leisure agency. This service expands its farms and country house agency, responding to demand from rural businesses navigating market shifts, environmental policies, and rising costs.
Ms Wigham began her career at GlaxoSmithKline in Barnard Castle before specialising in leisure property at firms including Savills, working on holiday parks, marinas, and wedding venues. She expressed enthusiasm for joining GSC Grays and contributing to its success in a region she knows well.
These appointments collectively underscore a period of strategic growth and specialisation for North East businesses, reinforcing the region's status as a hub for professional services, green innovation, and adaptive rural enterprise.
