The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 15: Spring 2020 | Page 18

BUSINESS REVIEW OF THE YEAR
BATH BUSINESS INFLUENCERS:
THE TOP TEN SHAPING ITS FUTURE
At the start of a new decade, The Business Exchange takes a look at the backgrounds
and achievements of Bath business influencers helping to shape the future of the
city. From long-established organisations through to relative newcomers, the Bath
business scene is thriving under the guidance of some of the best minds in business.
Kevin Gray Carol Banwell
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh,
Kevin previously served as an officer in the
Royal Navy’s submarine service.
He joined Bath Building Society in 1998
in the position of Society Secretary and
was promoted to the Board of Directors
in 2002 before being appointed as Deputy
Chief Executive in 2006. From 2004 to 2017,
Kevin held the position of Group Finance
Director and was also Head of the Society’s
Savings Department until 2012. Kevin was
appointed Chief Executive in April 2018. With a professional background in
accounting, commerce and law, Carole
volunteered at Bath City FC for 18 months
running the Club shop, before coming
through an extensive recruitment process
to take the role of General Manager.
Carole works closely with the Board,
Society, fans and investors new and old
and plays a key role in helping the Club to
plan for its future. This includes the Club’s
current planning application which aims to
secure its financial future, invest in Twerton
High Street and bring new facilities and
new homes to the local community.
Sarah Warby Paul Newman
Following the acquisition of a majority
stake in the business a year ago by
Swiss-based private equity firm Telemos
Capital, former Sainsbury’s and Heineken
Marketing Director Sarah Warby was
appointed CEO of Lovehoney in 2019.
Four years ago she was named one of
the 25 most influential individuals in UK
advertising, PR and marketing by Debretts
and is set to lead Lovehoney through its
next phase of growth.
Sarah Warby spent four years as
marketing director at Heineken before
joining Sainsbury’s in the same role. In her
five years at the supermarket giant she
directly led a team of 200-plus marketers. Paul is an award-winning media
professional with over 20 years’ experience
in print, digital and events. To date he has
overseen 25 redesign and launch projects,
including T3, Digital Camera, Total Film and
The Real Homes Show. He’s also managed
publishing groups across a diverse range of
sectors, including technology, music, film,
design, photography, sports, knowledge
and home interest.
Amongst his impressive CV, Key
positions held at Future PLC include Brand
Director (Home Interest), Group Content
Director and Editorial Director.
Chief Executive, Bath Building Society
General Manager, Bath City Football Club
Brand Director, Future
Chief Executive Officer, Lovehoney
Simon Holdsworth
Managing Partner, Thrings
Simon Holdsworth has been Managing
Partner at Thrings since 2013 and was
recently re-elected for a third three-year
term to continue his strategic vision for
the law firm and meet the ever-changing
expectations of its clients. A specialist in
commercial litigation, Simon oversees
all legal and operational aspects of the
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business across its offices in Bath, London,
Bristol, Romsey and Swindon.
A well-known figure in Bath business
circles, his love of the theatre is less well
known. Simon was appointed to the Board
of Directors for the Theatre Royal Bath in
May 2019, following a lifetime of appreciation
for the stage. This marks something of a
return to his roots, selling chocolates and
programmes at the theatre in 1987. Simon’s
business insights are also being tapped
up again this year by the Alternative Legal
Management Summit 2020, which counts
him on the advisory board for the large-scale
event, set to take place in September.