David Fairhurst, senior vice president, chief people officer at McDonald’s, has been appointed chairman of People 1st, the sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry. Fairhurst succeeds Don Davenport, who becomes president of People 1st in recognition of his commitment to the organisation over many years and his continuing dedication to improving skills, training and education in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, says: “David’s succession to the position of chairman, after two years as vice-chairman, sets a new focus on our ambitious development programme to transform skills as we approach the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

DIY retailer B&Q has appointed Liz Bell to join its board. Bell has been responsible for the B&Q HR function for the last nine months, reporting to Martyn Phillips, retail operations director who has previously represented the HR agenda on the board.

US-based executive search company J Robert Scott has appointed five specialists to its London office. Andy Smith is managing director and head of the London office. Managing director Sunny Dhillon will work in the global technology practice primarily in the midmarket space. Principal Ben Ayme will work with the firm’s financial services, technology and life sciences/healthcare teams. Managing director Navin Raina will lead services across the financial sector at the functional head level and principal Kathryn Melrose will lead searches for the firm’s global asset management clients.

Supply chain specialist Achilles has appointed John Cameron as group human resources manager. Cameron’s most recent roles included group head of HR for health and safety equipment provider Latchways Group, and LGC Forensics, a company providing forensic science services.

Hospitality chain Rotana has appointed Dr Olga Kampaxi as its new area director of human resources for Dubai and Northern Emirates. Kampaxi has worked for aerospace, IT and direct marketing companies, as well as the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Multi-sector staffing firm Relay Recruitment has appointed Louise Mottershaw to head up its new Wakefield and South Yorkshire division.

Arsenal Football Club has appointed Trevor Saving as head of people and operations. The lifelong Arsenal fan will lead Arsenal’s new HR function, as well as developing operational systems to maximise the club’s efficiency.

Construction and technical recruiter GPW Recruitment has appointed Mark Parish as managing director of the business group. Parish will take charge of the group’s technical & design, manufacturing & engineering, mechanical & electrical trades, construction trades, construction, supply chain, marketing & sales, office personnel and industrial divisions.

Job board reed.co.uk has appointed Matt Wisniewski to lead its advertising agency sales team. Wisniewski has an agency background in the
online recruitment industry. Simon Foord has also been recruited to spearhead reed.co.uk’s operation in the Midlands.

On-demand performance and talent management solutions provider SuccessFactors has appointed Peter Prestele as vice president of EMEA
enterprise sales.

Healthcare recruiter Nurse Plus has appointed Craig Griffiths as branch manager of its Plymouth operation. Griffiths has eight years’ experience working within the recruitment industry.

Recruit4health has appointed Martin Kenny as sales operations manager at its Harrogate headquarters, with responsibility for operational supervision and business development of the three recruitment divisions. Kenny has more than 20 years’ recruitment experience with firms including Kelly Services and Adecco.