In this newly created position, Wainer will play a key role in identifying talent across the four communications agency brands within the VivaKi UK group - Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) and Zenith Optimedia - to develop an integrated pool of talent. He will liaise with the HR teams within the four brands, as well as with certain recruitment partners. Wainer has previously worked at Pathfinders, CMG UK and most recently Code Worldwide among others.

He will report into Liz Nottingham, HR director SMG and VivaKi country talent and transformation officer. Nottingham says: “The continuing development of VivaKi now has an HR focus which requires the identification of talented people with a broad spectrum of skills to meet our business needs. This priority provides the perfect timing for the brands to further strengthen their talent agenda.”

Temporary employment research firm Staffing Industry Analysts has appointed Dr David Papapostolou as research analyst for French-speaking markets. Papapostolou has been working for the Europe Japan Centre and the Research Information Network.

Executive search firm Korn/Ferry International has added Sonamara Jeffreys as senior client partner within the firm’s global financial services market. Jeffreys will be based in London, working with global and EMEA organisations. Jeffreys joins from Heidrick & Struggles.

Interim management provider Russam GMS has appointed Paul Fleming to lead its healthcare practice. Fleming will develop the practice’s interim management offering to NHS and private healthcare organisations.

Sean Thomas has been appointed interim HR director at STA Travel. Thomas moves from his role as head of HR at Nando’s. He is also the former UK head of HR at Habitat.

Multi-sector recruiter Initio International has appointed Jeff Grout and Mike Walmsley as non-executive directors. Grout spent over 20 years as UK managing director of Robert Half and divides his time between his consultancy business and advising industry figures. Walmsley was previously managing director at Parker Bridge and set up RecruitmentTraining.co.uk in 2001.

Outsourcing firm The Capita Group has appointed Paul Bowtell as an independent non-executive director.

IT and technology recruiter Quantica Technology has appointed Mark Thomas as head of practice of its London office. Thomas worked most recently at Computer People.

Hospitality and leisure recruiter Berkeley Scott has appointed Nik Wall to manage its Birmingham office. Wall has been with Berkeley Scott for two years as key account consultant.

Healthcare, education and commercial recruiter Day Webster has appointed Andrew Parker and Deren Zaghlul as consultants. Parker is to lead the firm’s education division, while Zaghlul will run the contact centres desk.

Talent management specialist Ochre House has appointed Stephen Gilbert as client services director EMEA. Gilbert joins from KellyOCG where he was global account director.

Tara Ricks, managing director of Joslin Rowe, has been appointed chairman of Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), following the election of new executive committee members. Uzair Bawany, chief executive of The Contact Group, is deputy chairman. The new members are: John O’Sullivan, managing director, Elite Leaders; Stephanie Elliott, managing director, Volt; Emma Brierley, chairman, Xchangeteam; Alan Rommel, managing director, Parity Resources; Stephen Rookes, commercial & legal director, NES Group; Raymond Pennie, commercial director, Kamanchi.