Ex-EU ambassador Sir Stephen Wall becomes Portland adviser
Portland has appointed former UK ambassador to the EU Sir Stephen Wall (pictured) as chief adviser on Europe. He will work with clients on the ramifications for their businesses of the EU referendum in the London-based role, which is not a full-time appointment. Wall, who also spent four years as EU adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair, is a published author and the official historian for the Cabinet Office.
Popchips appoints Mischief
Snacking brand Popchips has hired Mischief as its UK consumer agency following a competitive pitch process. The agency will work on a campaign to launch two limited edition 'artisan' flavours. Popchips, which is endorsed by celebrities including Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry, previously worked with Wild Card on its UK launch in 2012. The brand stopped working with the agency in 2013.
Andrew Mitchell leads Edelman energy
Andrew Mitchell, former partner in Brunswick's energy practice, has joined Edelman in the newly created role of group energy director for Europe and the CIS region. Prior to his four years at Brunswick and time with Finsbury he was a financial journalist, most notably at Reuters.
Nigel Wonnacott takes Brittany Ferries comms helm
Brittany Ferries has hired Nigel Wonnacott as its new head of comms, taking over from Stephen Tuckwell who is retiring in December after 10 years in the role. Wonnacott began his career as a press officer and for Brighton Ferries, and since then has held several roles in transport journalism and PR, including at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. He will be based in the company’s Portsmouth office.
The North Face hires Speed Communications
Outdoor clothing and equipment brand The North Face has hired Speed Communications following a competitive pitch, replacing Brazen PR. The brief will cover the UK initially and extend to the rest of Europe in 2016. It will include the forthcoming launch of Degrees North, a two-year tie-in project by mountain snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue.
FTI makes two hires
FTI Consulting has taken on Gareth Wynn as senior managing director leading the energy practice of its London-based strategic comms segment. He joins from EDF Energy where he oversaw comms for the firm's nuclear new build division, including Hinkley Point C. It has also taken on Leonid Fink as MD in the same segment, leading financial comms for Russia and Eastern Europe, working closely with the firm's Moscow office. He was previously a partner at Instinctif Partners.
Experimental hands Aisle 8 bar work
Aisle 8 has begun a bespoke campaign for the Experimental Group’s newest London bar offering, Joyeux Bordel. The specialist agency will run a campaign that encompasses influencer and word of mouth activity as well as harnessing lifestyle-focused print and digital media.
Threepipe to drive UK brand awareness for Opun
Home improvement services provider Opun has selected the agency Threepipe to run its paid social, search and display marketing campaigns to drive UK brand awareness and secure bookings for customers looking for home improvement help.
