Latest news with #RobertCook
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Edinburgh boys school appoints seasoned CEO as new Chair
Business leader brings global expertise to prestigious school Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A seasoned hospitality leader has been appointed the next Chairman of the Board of Governors of one of Edinburgh's most prestigious independent schools. Robert Cook takes up the role this month following a formal interview process and having been appointed to the Board of Merchiston Castle School in March 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He brings more than 30 years' experience at the helm of some of the UK's largest leisure and hospitality businesses with leadership roles including CEO of Hotel du Vin & Malmaison, CEO of De Vere Hotels, and UK CEO of Virgin Active. Merchiston Castle School Originally from Aberdeen, he holds an honorary doctorate from Robert Gordon University for his contribution to the hotel industry and owns The Cookie Jar, a luxury boutique hotel in Alnwick, Northumberland. He will succeed Gareth Baird, who has held the role of Chairman since 2014 and will complete his 11-year tenure at the end of the academic year on June 27. Gareth Baird, outgoing Chairman of the Board of Governors at Merchiston, said: 'As a parent and a new governor to the Board, Robert has quickly demonstrated his passion for the school, as well as strong business acumen to drive Merchiston forward in this new chapter. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'As a Merchistonian myself, I am extremely proud of the work we have achieved over the past decade including the refurbishment of our boarding houses, launching The Forest nursery and junior school, as well as the recent introduction of our new day fee. Merchiston is an outstanding school and I'm delighted to hand over the reins to Robert as we also welcome our new Head, Huw Jones in August.' Robert B. Cook will take over as Merchiston Castle School's new Chair of the Board Commenting on his appointment, Robert Cook said: 'It is an absolute privilege to support an institution with such a proud heritage and ambitious future. 'I've built my career by recognising talent and nurturing excellence, and I see those same qualities in abundance throughout Merchiston. This role is about ensuring we continue to successfully navigate the external headwinds the independent school sector has faced in recent years and evolve to meet the demands of tomorrow.' Mr Cook also holds advisory and board positions with Dobbies Garden Centres, Terra Firma Capital Partners, supporting its German hotel group, Welcome Hotels and Imbiba, the growth hospitality platform. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This appointment follows the recent announcement of a new Head, Huw Jones, who joins Merchiston in August 2025. Founded in Edinburgh in 1828, Merchiston Castle School is Scotland's only all-boys independent day and boarding school. Dedicated to holistic student development with its coeducational nursery and junior school, The Forest, for children aged 3-9, as well as its unique educational approach for boys aged 9-18, which celebrates individual potential and encourages them to pursue excellence with passion and purpose.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
CTA banned riders list needs better enforcement, transit worker union leaders say
Flashing guns, assaulting workers, and punching passengers are among the offenses that can land CTA passengers on a banned riders list. But that list can be difficult to enforce. Thus, some people are pushing for new methods of doing so. Since January of last year, the Chicago Transit Authority has asked administrative law judges to suspend ridership 30 times. Eight suspensions have been approved. But union leaders representing bus and train operators said that figure does not even crack the surface of what they are up against, and they need new solutions. Representing CTA bus operators, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241 President Keith Hill, representing bus operators, said the current system is not working. He called for the return of a dedicated police force for the CTA. "So that's what the fight in Springfield, one of our fights is — to bring back the police force," he said. Hill is petitioning lawmakers to ramp up security, and said he is disappointed that only 11 riders have been suspended. "A joke. It's a joke," he said. "So you ban a person, they are approved by the court — who's going to enforce it? Not my operators." The CTA said when someone's ridership is suspended, a bulletin with an image and details is shared with CTA employees, contracted security companies, and Chicago Police. But it has been demonstrated how some cases fall through the cracks. Robert Cook, 47, who stands accused of groping multiple women and attacking other people on CTA trains and platforms, had previously been banned from the system and shouldn't have been on CTA property in the first place. But Brii Williams caught him on video harassing her on a Loop 'L' train — putting his leg on hers and refusing to remove another seat, and then threatening her and swearing at her as he left. Cook is now charged with several felonies, including battery of a transit employee. Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308 — representing train service workers — said she was not surprised by the fact that Cook was able to keep getting on trains. "Absolutely not," she said. "My members go through this each and every day." McCoach joined the call for a dedicated police force, while Hill said he will take all the help his bus operators can get. "You have a monitor on buses," he said. "Why not let the passengers know that this person can't or shouldn't be on the bus? Why not allowed alert them too? Put their picture up on that monitor screen." CBS News Chicago asked a transportation expert what other cities might be doing. Some examples he gave us include an app for instantly reporting issues, biometrics and facial scanners, or even select trains or times when passengers know a security guard will be onboard.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian day care centre awarded £5,000 by Scotmid members
Answer Day Care Centre in West Lothian is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. A West Lothian day care centre has been awarded £5,000 by Scotmid members. Answer Day Care Centre in West Lothian is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid members. Answer Day Care Centre is a long-established charity based in Whitburn, which has been supporting older vulnerable people, particularly those living with dementia, for almost 30 years. The centre provides essential care that helps speed up hospital discharge, prevent early admissions, and offers vital respite for carers. The centre delivers engaging activities such as music entertainment, trips, games, and tailored sports or outdoor experiences to enhance wellbeing and quality of life. Robert Cook, director at Answer Day Care Centre, said: 'We're absolutely delighted to receive £5,000 from Scotmid's Community Connect initiative. It will make such a meaningful difference to the lives of the people we support, especially those living with dementia.' The other two good causes that have been awarded a share of the £25,000 are Children's Holiday Venture (CHV) based in Edinburgh and Rio Community Centre based in Fife.
Business Wire
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FINRA Announces New 'FINRA Forward' Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and Investors
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FINRA announced today the launch of FINRA Forward, a series of initiatives to improve its effectiveness and efficiency in pursuing its mission. The Three FINRA Forward initiatives: Modernizing FINRA Rules. FINRA is conducting a broad review of its rules to modernize requirements, facilitate innovation and eliminate unnecessary burdens. Empowering Member Firm Compliance. FINRA is working to enhance how it supports member firm compliance to better protect investors and safeguard markets. Combating Cybersecurity and Fraud Risks. FINRA is expanding its cybersecurity and fraud prevention activities to support member firms' risk management capabilities and resilience against emerging threats and to better protect member firms and their investors from harm. 'To serve its mission—promoting investor protection, market integrity, and vibrant capital markets—FINRA must continuously improve its regulatory policies and programs to make them more effective and efficient. During my time as CEO, we have worked hard to build a culture of continuous improvement across FINRA—and we have come a long way… But continuous improvement means our work is never done, especially since capital markets are constantly evolving and new opportunities to do better are always emerging,' FINRA CEO Robert Cook wrote in a blog post about the FINRA Forward initiatives. The blog post about the FINRA Forward initiatives is available here. About FINRA FINRA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. FINRA regulates one critical part of the securities industry—member brokerage firms doing business in the U.S. FINRA, overseen by the SEC, writes rules, examines for and enforces compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws, registers broker-dealer personnel and offers them education and training, and informs the investing public. In addition, FINRA provides surveillance and other regulatory services for equities and options markets, as well as trade reporting and other industry utilities. FINRA also administers a dispute resolution forum for investors and brokerage firms and their registered employees. For more information, visit
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Green Monke Expands Southeast Presence With South Carolina Launch
With This Launch, Green Monke's Portfolio of Premium Hemp Beverages are now Available to a Growing Number of Consumers Across 9 States CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - March 25, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Green Monke USA ('Green Monke'), an award-winning hemp-D9 beverage brand, has entered into a distribution agreement with Southern Horizon Logistics in partnership with Southern Crown Partners, the premier beer distributor in South Carolina. Green Monke has now fulfilled the first purchase orders, delivering the brand's full portfolio of 8 SKUs - including its flagship, Green Monke Happy Soda line, and the Cookies by Green Monke collaboration. 'With Southern Crown, we're not just expanding access to premium hemp-derived beverages - we're leading the charge. Our Happy Soda line offers a refreshing, social, alcohol alternative, while Cookies by Green Monke is a bold tribute to THC enthusiasts, delivering cultivar-inspired flavors that set a new standard for THC beverages,' said Pat Gleeson, CEO of Green Monke. 'Partnering with Cookies - the most recognized cannabis brand worldwide -gives us unmatched cultural credibility. This collaboration bridges legacy connoisseurs and curious newcomers, ensuring Southern Crown stays ahead in curating the best THC beverage portfolio on the market.' This launch builds upon Green Monke's successful introduction in Georgia last fall, further establishing its presence in the Southeast and comes at a pivotal time as South Carolina implements new regulations clarifying the legality of hemp-derived THC products. In a recent opinion, State Solicitor General Robert Cook confirmed that beverages compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill, including those adhering to delta-9 THC limits, are fully legal. This regulatory clarity has created a stable framework for businesses like Green Monke to confidently expand within the state, offering retailers and consumers new, popular, and innovative products. Green Monke's Expanding National Footprint Green Monke's rapid expansion continues as the brand reaches new markets, where it is available in over nine states, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin and, now, South Carolina, among others. With this latest launch, Green Monke's innovative hemp-derived THC beverages are now accessible to a combined population of more than 80 million consumers, reinforcing the brand's commitment to bring its high-quality and award-winning alcohol alternatives to an ever-growing audience. This milestone underscores Green Monke's mission to lead the THC beverage category, offering an inclusive and enjoyable experience for both seasoned consumers and newcomers alike. As the brand extends its footprint across the country, its presence can now be felt in a diverse range of locations - from liquor stores and major retailers to bars, restaurants, and event venues like Enmarket Arena and The Pabst Theater Group properties. By building strong distribution partnerships and securing placements in these high-traffic environments, Green Monke ensures that its expanding portfolio - including the signature Happy Soda line and the exclusive Cookies by Green Monke collaboration - continues to set the standard for quality, taste, and cultural relevance in the hemp beverage market. To learn more about Green Monke Happy Sodas and purchase products visit: About Southern Horizon Logistics Southern Horizon Logistics, in partnership with Southern Crown Partners, is one of the oldest Anheuser-Busch distributors in the country and one of the largest in the Southeast. Today, we strive to become a 'one stop shop' beverage wholesaler serving 61 counties throughout SC & GA. Their 725 team members work together to distribute everything from energy drinks, coconut water, cider, hard kombucha, boozy tea, cold-brew coffee, performance drinks, beer, wine, and spirits. More information is available at About Green Monke Founded in 2022 by St. Peter's Spirits, Green Monke USA has swiftly emerged as a leader in the hemp-infused beverage industry, known for its award-winning taste, innovative offerings and high-quality products. Recognized both in North America and Europe, Green Monke offers a diverse product range, featuring hemp-based Delta-9 drinks offered to the mass markets, and a regulated cannabis-infused beverage line made available in regulated dispensaries. These products provide a casual buzz, making them a favored substitute for alcoholic drinks during social occasions. As part of its strategy to evolve the happy hour experience, Green Monke entered into a strategic, global licensing partnership with Cookies, the most recognized cannabis brand, introducing a line of co-branded infused beverages now accessible at Cookies outlets worldwide. Green Monke is also working with the Oak View Group (OVG), a global sports and entertainment company, to offer its Happy Sodas at select OVG venues in the U.S. This partnership underscores Green Monke's commitment to bring its high-quality and award-winning alcohol alternatives into diverse social settings.
