Wykeland appoints new Finance Director as long-serving FD steps down

Leading Yorkshire-based commercial property and investment business Wykeland Group has appointed Chris Crookham as Finance Director to succeed the retiring Ian Franks

Mr Crookham has joined Wykeland from major food and beverage manufacturer Sofina Foods Europe, where he has been Finance Director, UK Added Value, with responsibility for processing facilities across the country, for the past two and a half years.

Sofina Foods Europe is a major player in the food industry, with leading brands such as Young’s Seafood, pork producer Cookstown and Greenland Seafood. The business supplies major supermarket chains and employs around 8,000 people in the UK, Ireland and on the continent.

Previously, Mr Crookham was Cluster Financial Controller for Young’s Seafood, following six years with UK safety industry leader Arco, latterly as Group Financial Controller.

A graduate of the University of Leeds, he began his career in finance with PwC, before joining global health and hygiene business Reckitt and then Arco.

Mr Crookham said: “A big part of the appeal of this role is joining a business with such a strong vision and social conscience, which aligns with my own values. 

“Having grown up in East Yorkshire and living in the area, I’ve seen the really positive impact Wykeland has had, through developments like the Flemingate centre in Beverley and the Fruit Market regeneration in Hull.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to be part of a business very much embedded in the local community and to play my part in continuing Wykeland’s great work at the forefront of investment and regeneration across the region.”

Mr Crookham succeeds Ian Franks who is retiring after 18 years as Finance Director, a period which has seen Hull-based Wykeland reinforce its status as one of the leading commercial developers focused on the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Mr Franks said: “Wykeland has been a very big part of my life and I’m very proud of the many projects we have delivered that have been commercially successful, while also bringing together physical, social and cultural regeneration.

“It’s now time for me to step back and for an injection of fresh ideas and energy. I wish Chris every success in his new role and know Wykeland will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Chris to succeed Ian and build on his achievements.

“Chris brings to Wykeland a great deal of relevant, high-level experience with industry-leading organisations and has a very broad skillset.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks, and that of our Board and entire team, to Ian for his tremendous contribution.

“Ian has played a very significant part in the development of the business over almost two decades. His financial expertise and sound judgement have been invaluable in the successful delivery of many of our most significant developments.”