Aston University has appointed a new pro vice-chancellor and executive dean of its college of engineering and physical sciences.
Stephen Garrett will lead the college's teaching and learning in a range of fields including biomedical, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering and cybersecurity.
He studied theoretical physics and applied mathematics at the University of Birmingham and went on to do a PhD in engineering at the University of Cambridge.
He returned to Birmingham as a trainee actuary before moving to the academic sector as a lecturer in applied mathematics at the University of Leicester. Since then, he has held several leadership roles.
His research interests are in fluid mechanics and lie across the boundary between applied mathematics and engineering.
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Mr Garrett said: "Research in areas such as biofuel and photonics have the potential to change the world for the better.
"I'm particularly enthusiastic about the possibilities of data driven decision-making. The pandemic has left everyone with a much better appreciation of the importance of it in informing decisions.
"As someone who was brought up near Redditch and studied in Birmingham it is great to be back in the city."
In other appointment news, Warwickshire tourism organisation Shakespeare's England has recruited Darren Tosh to promote the area across the world.
He is the body's new digital marketing manager and will be responsible for a range of online campaigns aimed at attracting people to Stratford and south Warwickshire.
Mr Tosh was born and raised in Leamington Spa and spent almost four years at Warwick Castle before joining local photo gift company Cewe.
While at the castle, he helped launch the Knight's Village accommodation and worked on the creation of its new website.
How I Made It
Law firm The Wilkes Partnership has welcomed two new solicitors in Birmingham.
Kiran Munawar, who will be working within the corporate team, joins Wilkes after working for Irwin Mitchell, while Kiran Manku joins the real estate team from Rutherfords.
Partner Mark Hodgson said: "It's an excellent opportunity for both to continue their professional development and we look forward to having them working with us.
"As the firm continues to grow, it is fantastic to have the ability to expand both our corporate and real estate teams."
Financial services and accountancy firm BDO has expanded its tax risk team in the West Midlands. Salman Anwar joins as associate director and brings experience from working for Mazars and HMRC.
He will support clients with a range of aspects of managing tax risk, including dealing with enquiries from HMRC and working with businesses and individuals facing investigations.
Haris Rehman has been appointed as a manager in the team.
He has also built a track record in helping clients with HMRC enquiries, having started his career as a fraud and investigations specialist there where he spent five years, and he also joins from Mazars.
Izzy Canning has been promoted to associate solicitor at Solihull practice Averta Employment Lawyers.
She joined the firm in 2016 and qualified in 2020 at the boutique employment law firm which was founded by ex-DLA Piper partners Alan Jones and David Sykes.
Ms Canning had previously worked in academic publishing before switching careers and she completed the LPC part time at BPP University in 2018.
West Midlands lender BCRS Business Loans has promoted Andrew Hustwit to the role of head of business development.
He is stepping up from his current role of business development manager to become a member of the leadership team where he will play a key role in delivering the firm's five-year growth strategy to increase lending and social impact.
He will also head up a team of four business development managers who are based across the West Midlands and support businesses and intermediaries throughout their loan application process.
