Gorkana/corporate-and-financial

Bloomberg's Gonzalo Vina joins Hanover

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:37:00 +0100

Hanover, the independent corporate reputation and public affairs firm, has hired Bloomberg journalist Gonzalo Vina as an associate director in the agency’s reputation practice.

With almost two decades’ experience of reporting on business and politics, Vina will report to practice lead Gavin Megaw and will work across a range of corporate clients, helping to bolster the firm’s growing international work.

“Gonzalo possesses all the classic skills of a good PR: speed, attention to detail and an eye for a story," explained Gavin. "He’s worked in one of the most sophisticated news operations around and understands how important a good reputation is for businesses.”

“Corporate reputation keeps popping up in the conversations I have with senior business people; it’s now one of the most discussed topics in the boardroom," added Gonzalo. "The quality of Hanover’s team and their understanding of the business benefits of good reputation really stand out and I’m excited to be working with them.”

Hanover has also hired Paula Nugent as a consultant. She previously worked at law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse.

Boost Communications and Paddle appoint FieldHouse Associates

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:28:00 +0100

FieldHouse Associates, the boutique enterprise and investment focused communications agency, has been appointed by Paddle and Boost Communications to manage their on-going PR campaigns.

Paddle is a mobile payments start-up changing the way people pay for products on mobile and the web. There has been a huge amount of innovation in mobile payments, mainly in the physical world – and very little innovation in online payments since PayPal over a decade ago. Paddle makes the experience online as quick and easy as using a credit card in a physical location. The team is currently running a trial with retailing giant, Marks & Spencer.

Boost Communications was established in Norway in 2000 and in the ensuing decade has grown to become a preferred supplier of mobile marketing and mobile advertising solutions and services for brands, publishers and agencies. The company opened its UK office earlier this year and already has several well known UK brands on its books, with leading Premier League club Manchester City its latest win. Man City relies on Boost Communications for design, development and hosting of its mobile portal m.mcfc.co.uk. Boost is also a select vendor in Google's UK GetMo program.

Adding to FieldHouse’s client wins the team has been nominated as finalists for this year’s Mobile Entertainment awards in the Best PR Agency category.

“We believe that both Paddle and Boost are really going to make a difference in their space and we are delighted to be working with them," explained Cordelia Meacher, managing director and founder at FieldHouse Associates. "Their innovation and goals fit neatly within our sweet spot. I am really proud of what we have achieved at FieldHouse, what we continue to achieve, and what we are going to achieve. We’re really embedded in the mobile, digital, tech and venture space – and we love what we do - but we have to thank our clients for supporting us and believing in us, which ultimately enables us to do great work.”

Ashlea McConnell to join MK Things happen

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:26:00 +0100

Professional service PR Ashlea McConnell is set to join Yorkshire based MK Things Happen as the consultancy’s PR director.

Working closely with firm’s existing management team she will start on 1st of July and joins from Irwin Mitchell where she has worked for the last six years managing a team of internal legal PR professionals and external agencies.

On joining the agency, which represents a number of high profile retail, healthcare, charity and professional service clients from across the country, Ashlea will manage the PR strategies for some existing accounts, as well as look to build on the firms established portfolio. She was last year named as one of the top PR professionals in her age group under 29.

“I’ve seen MK work on a myriad of accounts over the years – often retaining massive brands against stiff competition - and have always been impressed by their ‘added value’ approach to PR," explained Ashlea.

“The opportunity to work on some of the leading accounts in the region, as well as build and develop my own portfolio, was an offer I couldn’t turn down. And after six years working with one of the UK’s leading law firms I am very much looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”

On starting her new role at MK Things Happen Ashlea will be available to contact at (ashlea.mcconnell@mkthingshappen.co.uk)[mailto:ashlea.mcconnell@mkthingshappen.co.uk] or on 01142756784.

Seafish appoints Rob Bruce

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:41:00 +0100

Seafish, the body founded in 1981 to support all sectors of the seafood industry, has appointed Rob Bruce to the role of corporate relations director.

Joining on the 1st of July Rob's role will be to protect, promote and educate people about the fishing industry and its contribution to the health and wellbeing of society, economically and nutritionally.

He will be responsible for government relations, stakeholder engagement, industry liaison and consumer campaigns.

Reporting to CEO Paul Williams, Rob will lead a team of 12 people for which he is currently recruiting. Currently head of global PR for Whyte & Mackay, Rob is responsible for media relations, global strategy and campaign planning, as well as sponsorship activation, public affairs and issues management primarily focusing on the premium and luxury sector.

He was previously head of external affairs for Inbev UK looking after PR for Stella Artois and Tennent’s Lager for 8 years, and was an account director for Weber Shandwick for 6 years previous to that.

“Im really excited about joining Seafish," explained Rob. "The team are already doing a great job and I hope to build on that success. There are some big challenges facing the industry, but with that comes the opportunity to make a real tangible difference. I cant really say anymore than that at this stage because I haven’t started the job. Come back to me in 6 months time. Hopefully I will still be there!”

PZ Cussons hires College Hill

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:16:00 +0100

PZ Cussons, a leading consumer products group and FTSE 250 company, has appointed College Hill to handle its international corporate and financial communications.

The College Hill core account team will be led by Tim Linacre supported by Toby Bates, Catherine Wickman and Zinka Bozovic.

With a market cap of £1.58bn, PZ Cussons develops leading brands in selected mature and emerging markets including the UK, Europe, Nigeria and Indonesia. Global brands include Original Source, Carex, Imperial Leather, Sanctuary, Charles Worthington and St Tropez.

“We are delighted to have been selected to work with PZ Cussons," said Paul Downes, chief executive of College Hill’s Capital Markets business. "This is an excellent win for College Hill and one that fits with our objective to become one of the few international business communication consultancies providing the world’s leading organisations with the insight, creative thinking and execution across a range of complementary practice skills that really helps to build their business and brands.”

“We look forward to building a strong partnership with College Hill and based our decision to appoint them on the quality of the consulting team and by the wider support and resources that are clearly available throughout the firm," added Brandon Leigh, finance director of PZ Cussons. "Their abilities to support us in our key international markets was also a compelling factor. We are committed to investing in our long term communication strategy and believe that College Hill will be able make a significant contribution toward the achievement of our growth objectives.”