Staffing industry services group Optionis has appointed founder Rob Crossland to the new post of executive deputy chairman, effective from today.

In a statement the group said the appointment was a “formalisation” of the broader strategic role that Crossland has occupied in recent years and would help deliver the group’s “strong” growth objectives. Derek Kelly continues in his role of group managing director.

Crossland founded umbrellas company Parasol, now part of the Optionis group, in 2000 and led a management buyout in 2006.

The firm began an acquisition strategy in 2008, creating parent company Optionis before a secondary MBO by investment firm MML Capital Partners in 2013.