Kane drafted in to boost Deloitte's Scottish arm

DELOITTE, the accountancy and business services heavyweight, has brought in Bill Kane as a partner to help strengthen its "lean operation" north of the Border.

Kane, pictured right, will work with a small team to help advise clients on how to "successfully operationalise strategy through the enhancement of processes and behaviour".

The firm said its combined lean team now numbered more than 150 people, working throughout the UK with clients across all sectors.

Kane previously led IBM's operations strategy business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and was also the computing giant's "Global Lean Six Sigma Leader". He says: "We have established a reputation in the marketplace for providing impartial and highly respected advice on operations strategy, which we want to build upon to ensure that Deloitte remains the market leader."

In a busy week for new faces, Newton Investment Management has appointed two Matthews to its Edinburgh-based private investment management team.

Matthew Coyle joins as an assistant portfolio manager focusing on managing funds for private clients, trusts and charities. Meanwhile, Matthew Dey joins the firm from Heriot-Watt University as a trainee portfolio manager.

Mike Connor, investment director at Newton, says: "We are delighted to be expanding our Edinburgh team. These two hires support our plans for growth in our discretionary investment management services for private client and charities."

Maxim Office Park, near Glasgow, has bolstered its senior management team with the announcement of new park director, Scott McKie.

McKie, who will be employed by Maxim management agent Broadgate Estates, has previously held senior posts with Malmaison, Loch Lomond Golf Club, Le Bistro Hospitality and Gleneagles Hotel.

He says: "I'm delighted to be joining the operation at what is a very exciting time as Maxim grows and the park begins to fill with occupiers and on-site amenities."

New manager for iconic hotel at centre of a 20m revamp

GLASGOW'S iconic Grand Central Hotel has a new general manager following the appointment of Laurie Nicol to the post.

Described as "one of the most respected figures in the Scottish hospitality industry", Nicol began her career at the Moat House International as banqueting supervisor in 1990, working her way up the ladder, before joining Hilton Hotels ten years later.

She says: "This is an exciting time for the Grand Central Hotel, and it's amazing to be part of the 20m refurbishment that will bring this illustrious hotel back to its former glory."

"It is a true Glasgow icon – steeped in a rich and glamorous history, from John Logie Baird transmitting the first television pictures in 1927 to visits from Cary Grant, John F Kennedy and even the Queen – there's no hotel quite like it in the city. It truly is unique," adds a delighted Nicol.

GOOD DAY

Ann Burns

BURNS will be celebrating after being appointed to the role of associate director at property firm DTZ. Based in Glasgow, she will work with the practice's nine-strong property management team to "develop and expand the business across the region". Burns, who has more than 17 years of industry experience, joins DTZ from CB Richard Ellis.

BAD DAY (again)

Akio Toyoda

MORE pressure for the Toyota boss yesterday as the embattled carmaker said it was planning a new level of disclosure about car problems beyond what it is legally required to reveal as it seeks to rebuild consumer trust. It came amid intensifying pressure for president and chief executive Toyoda to testify before the US Congress.