This week's career moves

Axletree Solutions’ COO Martin Lightman to retire

TMS and SWIFT specialist Axletree Solutions has announced that COO Martin Lightman will retire from his daily responsibilities as an officer of the company at the end of December. He will continue as an advisor to the directors of the company. With more than five decades of extensive experience, he has guided strategic plan initiatives and business development programs at Axletree, his own company and growth-oriented corporations. Lightman’s decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of more than 50 years in sales, marketing and operations at senior level management positions, with the last 12 years being spent at Axletree.

“The last decade has seen tremendous growth in Axletree across global Fortune 500 clients, brand recognition, global operational teams and revenues. Marty has played a memorable role in all of these achievements, said Mohan Murali, Axletree president and CEO. “His experience and astute understanding of the ever-changing business landscape was a guiding factor in our growth. His continuing in an advisorial role is highly appreciated.”

M&S names David Cole as new head of trading for ambient

British multinational retailer Marks & Spencer has appointed David Cole as its head of trading for ambient. Cole will be responsible for all trading activity across the grocery, bakery, snacking, beer, wines & spirits and celebration categories. Cole has previously worked for Holland & Barrett, Aldi and Kerry Foods. At M&S, he will report to company’s managing director of food Stuart Machin. Cole will succeed Steve Kemp, who has been leading the ambient team in addition to his head of hospitality role.

Iofina appoints precision risk chairman Mermoud as non-exec director

UK-based iodine producing firm Iofina has appointed Frank Mermoud chairman of Precision Risk & Intelligence, a risk mitigation company, as a non executive director with immediate effect. Mermoud is also a non-executive director of oil and gas specialist Cub Energy, and has held various senior leadership roles within the US State Department in the area of international, economic and commercial policy.

Nexans announces new management team to drive its new strategic roadmap

European manufacturing company Nexans has announced the appointment of Franck Blanchard as its risk management director in line with the implementation of its new executive committee. In his new role, he will report to the senior corporate vice president, general counsel and secretary general. Blanchard joined Nexans in 2008 and held the role of group’s deputy chief legal officer. The company has also hired Edeltraud Fabianke as corporate vice president of Information Systems and Digital Transformation.

Sesame Bankhall hires Standard Life’s head of adviser relations

UK-based retail financial advice distributor Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has extended the remit of Julie Sadler, SBG chief risk officer and Bankhall managing director to the role of risk and compliance director. Additionally, the company has also appointed former Standard Life head of advisory relationships Ross Liston as managing director of Bankhall and PMS.