The Switalskis group has welcomed professional services marketing expert Gaynor Appleyard as Head of Marketing and Business Development.

The group-wide role will see Gaynor work alongside existing teams from the three Switalskis businesses to coordinate and strengthen marketing and business development across the fast-growing Yorkshire law firm.

Gaynor’s 25-year career in the professional services sector spans brand, marketing, and business development roles at Deloitte, EY, BDO, Eversheds, KPMG, and Mace & Jones Solicitors. Most recently, Gaynor was Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager at DLA Piper in Leeds.

The Switalskis group employs 425 people and operates from 12 locations across Yorkshire. The marketing and business development brief includes Atherton Godfrey and Pryers Solicitors, both acquired by Switalskis in 2021.

Gaynor says it was the firm’s recent growth that caught her eye: “I saw an exciting opportunity to shape marketing and BD across the group following the two acquisitions last year, and to bring those teams together under a cohesive, group-wide strategy.

“Now I know the business a little better, I know that commercial ambition and drive is backed by a strong focus on people and a genuine desire to make a difference, and that really appeals to me. I can’t wait to get started.”   

Switalskis managing director, John Durkan, adds, “I’m excited to welcome Gaynor to the team and look forward to helping her put her extensive experience and expertise to work across the business. Investing in our marketing and business development capabilities with a strategic group-wide appointment will help us build on the last 12 months’ growth and pave the way for it to continue.”