A new Select and Parkhouse franchise office has been opened in Hemel Hempstead by Matthew Simmons, a former world chess Olympian.k VMA Group, the investor relations and corporate communications search and selection firm, has appointed Laura Hayter as investor relations director. She joined from Rafferty Taylor.



k Fife-based Escape Recruitment has made Paul Leishman (left) a director. He has worked for the company since its launch in 2000.



k Michael Byrne has been appointed as chief operating officer at Principal Search. He will manage its London, New York and Middle East offices. It has also selected Monique Hansen to co-manage its fixed income practice. The company has appointed Mark Healy to lead and build its corporate banking and real estate presence. The firm has also promoted Paul Chrispin, Peter Harwood, Mark Swan and Adam El-Balawi.



k Sara Whetstone is the new branch manager for temporary recruitment at Berkeley Scott's offices in Manchester and Leeds.



k The Harten Group, the interim management and permanent recruiter for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, has appointed Annette Angell (left) as management consulting and marketing co-ordinator.



k Wirral-based Russell Taylor Associates has selected James Moore as consultant.



k Anupma Mahju has joined Appointments Bi-Language to work in its permanent division. She will focus on business development, sourcing candidates and developing existing accounts.



k IT recruiter NESco selected Theresa Twist (left) as a bids and tenders manager at its Manchester head office. Harriet Orgill, Nicholas Ashby, James Garvey and Sarah Wahid have also joined its Manchester team.



k Jane Cameron has joined Angela Mortimer as senior temporary consultant at its West End office. She joined from ASA International.



k Morgan Jones has selected Claire Cunningham (left) as permanent consultant. She joined from People Group.



k Jenny Lawrence has become a consultant at SJC Recruitment and Training's North Bristol office. She will be responsible for permanent office support.



k Wolverhampton-based People Plus Recruitment has appointed Luke Adamczyk as a director following the resignation of founding director Wesley Downes.



k NES has selected Nick Jerman (left) to join its overseas division. Jerman will place technical and engineering personnel worldwide.



k Rolfe Pearce has joined K7 Solutions as sales and marketing manager for its new division 1stCV. Claire Pritchard has also joined as national business development manager.



k Pure Wild Search, part of the CNA International Group, has chosen Graeme Elkin (left) as practice leader of its treasury and private client banking division. Michelle Nursey (below left) has

also joined the company as senior consultant in its retail banking division. She comes to CNA from Active Search and Selection.



k Sophie Pascal has joined IT sales recruiter Robson Taylor's European team. He has seven years' sales experience.



k MXP Recruitment has appointed Katie Mills (left) as a consultant responsible for recruiting drivers and industrial personnel, catering and blue collar workers.



k Paul Samuel has been selected as director designate at Sellick Partnership Search and Selection. The new division will focus on high quality candidates for permanent, senior positions within the financial sector.



k Financial recruiter ECHM has appointed Jamie Rodden as managing consultant of its Birmingham Commerce & Industry team.