BURY data, networking and telecommunications provider Pennine has recruited Stephen Duffy as its new group head of technical services.

His appointment follows the departure of former product and services director Geoff King who has retired following the sale of the business to the Nycomm Group.

Mr King joined Pennine in 1984 as a technician and following successive promotions joined the board in 2004.

Mr Duffy worked closely with him prior to the sale and will report to Andrew Roberts who, having led Pennine as managing director, now sits on the Nycomm board.

He joins the Salford Street-based business from the HE sector and brings a considerable level of technical management and leadership experience from the University of Manchester where he took management responsibility for the School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics’ £200m estate, including the development of its world class specialist teaching and research facilities.

More recently he undertook the role of head of technical services at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he was responsible for 200 staff. He said: “I am very much looking forward to working with managers and engineers to further develop Pennine’s technical support capability. Through the knowledge and experience I bring, I aim to make a significant contribution to the continued success of a fast growing business.”