Turley appoints senior directors, recruits diversity advisors

Joanna Turner and Katy Lightbody have been promoted to senior directors at the independent planning consultancy.

Both Turner and Lightbody are based in Turley’s Manchester office.

Lightbody is now senior director in the firm’s heritage, townscape, and landscape team, while Turner has been named senior finance director.

Turley has also brought on three experts to advise the company on inclusion and diversity. Toby Mildon and Sharon Amesu will be strategic I&D advisors for the brand. Michele Steel will be a strategic I&D advisor focused on the built environment. Steel has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, working as a strategic planning director at Deloitte and Vita Group.

Other promotions in Turley’s Manchester office include Sophie Romain and Sweety Carvalho, who are now business partners in Turley’s people and culture team.

Outside of Manchester, Turley named Nick Jones as senior director of strategic communications. Jones is based in London.

Turley chief executive Dave Trimingham congratulated the team on the promotions and welcomed the strategic advisors.

“As an employee-owned business, we believe in diversifying our decision making and that inclusive growth is best for our people, clients, and communities,” Trimingham said.

“We aim for at least 30% women at our leadership forums and are very pleased to continue to meet this objective,” he continued. “Through the appointment of external I&D consultants, our strategic intent to build an even more diverse and inclusive business continues.”

Turley has offices throughout the UK and Ireland. Current and recent North West projects include Manchester Metropolitan’s £45m Science and Engineering Building and Southport Town Investment Plan and Masterplan.