My Best Hire - Lucy Melling

'Lucy joined in 1998 when the agency was moving into new territories, away from pure fashion and luxury. She was the perfect person to help us cross that bridge.

'She is a fantastic communicator and a huge asset in winning new business.

Never one to leave until tomorrow something that could be done today, she has an eye for detail and a nose for trouble. Although occasionally fiery - I used to say she was like a race horse (a good analogy, as riding is one of her interests) - she has tremendous warmth, helping her get the best out of people.

'I enjoyed her dynamism and the obvious enjoyment she got from her work.'

Lucy Melling is now consumer marketing division director at Porter Novelli.