The Judges
The judges will be announced shortly, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank last year's panel of judges.
Nick Edell
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Nick Edell, Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Nick is responsible for further developing H+K’s digital content development offer across all sectors. He brings a rich design and development background with detailed technical understanding of digital projects including: bespoke and open-source CMS sites, e-commerce sites, campaign-specific sites, apps and off-line multimedia projects. He managed the builds for Cadbury Kraft, JP Morgan, Network Rail and William Hill. Nick is a passionate lo-fi photographer and recently set up an open arts space in the disused K6 phonebox in the Cambridgeshire village in which he lives.
Nick Edell, Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Nick is responsible for further developing H+K’s digital content development offer across all sectors. He brings a rich design and development background with detailed technical understanding of digital projects including: bespoke and open-source CMS sites, e-commerce sites, campaign-specific sites, apps and off-line multimedia projects. He managed the builds for Cadbury Kraft, JP Morgan, Network Rail and William Hill. Nick is a passionate lo-fi photographer and recently set up an open arts space in the disused K6 phonebox in the Cambridgeshire village in which he lives.
Dominic Walters
Black Sun plc
Dominic Walters, Black Sun plc
Dominic is director of digital at Black Sun Plc. He has over 16 years marketing communications experience delivering integrated corporate communications and digital strategies for a broad range of businesses including, Kazakhmys, Inchcape, BAE Systems, BP and PizzaExpress (Hong Kong) Limited.
Dominic Walters, Black Sun plc
Dominic is director of digital at Black Sun Plc. He has over 16 years marketing communications experience delivering integrated corporate communications and digital strategies for a broad range of businesses including, Kazakhmys, Inchcape, BAE Systems, BP and PizzaExpress (Hong Kong) Limited.
William Cookson
Razor Fish
William Cookson, Razor Fish
William has learnt from the best in the digital industry, he started as a junior designer at Brand New Media in Leeds and got further inspired at AKQA. After almost four years as part of the Poke team, he joined Razorfish in 2012 as creative director. Some memorable brands he’s created things for are Nike, Manchester City, Orange, Coca-Cola and Mulberry. In his spare time he works on a start-up idea, www.believe.in which is designed to connect people to charities and empower them to do good.
William Cookson, Razor Fish
William has learnt from the best in the digital industry, he started as a junior designer at Brand New Media in Leeds and got further inspired at AKQA. After almost four years as part of the Poke team, he joined Razorfish in 2012 as creative director. Some memorable brands he’s created things for are Nike, Manchester City, Orange, Coca-Cola and Mulberry. In his spare time he works on a start-up idea, www.believe.in which is designed to connect people to charities and empower them to do good.
James Thellusson
Lexis PR
James Thellusson, Lexis PR
James is head of corporate and business communication at Lexis PR. He also oversees Glasshouse Partnership, Lexis’ CSR & sustainability consultancy, which he founded. He advises clients on strategy, corporate campaigning, CSR, crisis & issues management, media relations, social media and reputation management and has won over 20 awards during his career including a Digital Impact award for http://pioneers.bcs.org/. Prior to his current role, James was CEO at Edelman UK and EU MD at Cohn & Wolfe having worked as journalist and advertising copywriter.
James Thellusson, Lexis PR
James is head of corporate and business communication at Lexis PR. He also oversees Glasshouse Partnership, Lexis’ CSR & sustainability consultancy, which he founded. He advises clients on strategy, corporate campaigning, CSR, crisis & issues management, media relations, social media and reputation management and has won over 20 awards during his career including a Digital Impact award for http://pioneers.bcs.org/. Prior to his current role, James was CEO at Edelman UK and EU MD at Cohn & Wolfe having worked as journalist and advertising copywriter.
Jeremy Probert
London City Airport
Jeremy Probert, London City Airport
Jeremy has over 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs, gained working across a range of industry sectors including events, leisure retail, health and fitness, brewing, electronic payment and – latterly – aviation. His remits have included external (media) relations, internal communications, public affairs, marketing/brand communications and issues and crisis management. Not only can he organise a piss-up in a brewery, he actually has.
Jeremy Probert, London City Airport
Jeremy has over 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs, gained working across a range of industry sectors including events, leisure retail, health and fitness, brewing, electronic payment and – latterly – aviation. His remits have included external (media) relations, internal communications, public affairs, marketing/brand communications and issues and crisis management. Not only can he organise a piss-up in a brewery, he actually has.
Bryan Smith
Smith & Nephew PLC
Bryan Smith, Smith & Nephew PLC
Bryan Smith is currently director of digital communications at FTSE100 medical devices company Smith & Nephew PLC, based in the group head office in London. With a background in both digital agencies (most recently holding senior positions at both Profero and Fortune Cookie) and client side (including Rio Tinto PLC where he launched some of the FTSE100’s first social media channels) he has over 18 years’ experience in digital communications.
Bryan Smith, Smith & Nephew PLC
Bryan Smith is currently director of digital communications at FTSE100 medical devices company Smith & Nephew PLC, based in the group head office in London. With a background in both digital agencies (most recently holding senior positions at both Profero and Fortune Cookie) and client side (including Rio Tinto PLC where he launched some of the FTSE100’s first social media channels) he has over 18 years’ experience in digital communications.
Jennie Gerry
OTM (UK) Ltd
Jennie Gerry, OTM (UK) Ltd
Jennie has been working in the area of digital communications since setting up her own digital agency (Real Design) in 1997. Since then she has continued to be a Founder Director of what later became REAL451 working on a diverse range of digital products for brands such as BBC, Turner and TFL. Last year Real 451 joined OTM (part of Target TMCG – one of the UK’s leading independent media companies) where Jennie heads up a strong and developing digital team.
Jennie Gerry, OTM (UK) Ltd
Jennie has been working in the area of digital communications since setting up her own digital agency (Real Design) in 1997. Since then she has continued to be a Founder Director of what later became REAL451 working on a diverse range of digital products for brands such as BBC, Turner and TFL. Last year Real 451 joined OTM (part of Target TMCG – one of the UK’s leading independent media companies) where Jennie heads up a strong and developing digital team.
Anil Pillai
LBi
Anil Pillai, LBi
Anil has been with LBi since 1996 having been a founding member of Oyster, which LBi bought in 2005. He was promoted to his current role of CEO in 2010. Since joining LBi, Anil has sponsored and helped shape digital strategies and programmes for brands like ASDA, E.ON and Lloyds TSB, as well as managing the day-to-day running of the agency. Anil is also Chair of the IPA Digital Business Committee, and is on the steering committee for iMedia. He’s also involved in initiatives for Ad:Tech and the IAB.
Anil Pillai, LBi
Anil has been with LBi since 1996 having been a founding member of Oyster, which LBi bought in 2005. He was promoted to his current role of CEO in 2010. Since joining LBi, Anil has sponsored and helped shape digital strategies and programmes for brands like ASDA, E.ON and Lloyds TSB, as well as managing the day-to-day running of the agency. Anil is also Chair of the IPA Digital Business Committee, and is on the steering committee for iMedia. He’s also involved in initiatives for Ad:Tech and the IAB.
Luke Alexander
Four Communications
Luke Alexander, Four Communications
Luke leads the digital team at Four Communications, one of the UK’s leading independent integrated agencies. His varied career spans everything from reputation management and digital marketing to web development and video editing. He currently specialises in campaigns which span platforms and channels, consulting on digital and social media strategy for organisations such as the British Library and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games among many others. Past clients have also included the 2011 Census, Etihad Airways and Sony PlayStation.
Luke Alexander, Four Communications
Luke leads the digital team at Four Communications, one of the UK’s leading independent integrated agencies. His varied career spans everything from reputation management and digital marketing to web development and video editing. He currently specialises in campaigns which span platforms and channels, consulting on digital and social media strategy for organisations such as the British Library and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games among many others. Past clients have also included the 2011 Census, Etihad Airways and Sony PlayStation.
Billy Greenhalgh
HR Media Ltd.
Billy Greenhalgh, HR Media Ltd.
Billy has led the development of digital communications at HR Media for over six years. His role as head of digital communications places him in charge of the largest growth area for the company and highlights his management capacity for complex projects incorporating mixed elements of website provision, social media, video, audio and traditional PR. Alongside his broader remit, Billy’s work as an account manager has embraced media relations with an ongoing specialism in crisis communications for a variety of clients.
Billy Greenhalgh, HR Media Ltd.
Billy has led the development of digital communications at HR Media for over six years. His role as head of digital communications places him in charge of the largest growth area for the company and highlights his management capacity for complex projects incorporating mixed elements of website provision, social media, video, audio and traditional PR. Alongside his broader remit, Billy’s work as an account manager has embraced media relations with an ongoing specialism in crisis communications for a variety of clients.
Sophie Brendel
BBC
Sophie Brendel, BBC
Sophie is the head of digital communications at the BBC, responsible for communications strategy, publicity activity and reputation management for the BBC’s digital services, including BBC Online, BBC iPlayer, mobile, connected TV, R&D, technology and archive. Sophie also leads the BBC’s Digital Engagement team, heading up the corporate websites and blog, social media activity across BBC communications, and finding new ways to engage audiences around BBC content, online. Sophie joined the BBC in March 2009 as the head of strategic communications. Prior to joining the BBC, Sophie worked for Thomson Reuters in New York and London.
Sophie Brendel, BBC
Sophie is the head of digital communications at the BBC, responsible for communications strategy, publicity activity and reputation management for the BBC’s digital services, including BBC Online, BBC iPlayer, mobile, connected TV, R&D, technology and archive. Sophie also leads the BBC’s Digital Engagement team, heading up the corporate websites and blog, social media activity across BBC communications, and finding new ways to engage audiences around BBC content, online. Sophie joined the BBC in March 2009 as the head of strategic communications. Prior to joining the BBC, Sophie worked for Thomson Reuters in New York and London.
Paul Taylor
Forevermark Diamonds at De Beers
Paul Taylor, Forevermark Diamonds at De Beers
Having spent his career working solely within the digital world, Paul currently finds himself as global head of digital at Forevermark Diamonds from De Beers delivering the global strategy and overseeing the delivery of advertising, websites, social and mobile activity across China, Japan, India and the US. Originally from a creative background, Paul worked within many agencies before going client side. Paul is passionate about all things mobile and speaks regularly at events.
Paul Taylor, Forevermark Diamonds at De Beers
Having spent his career working solely within the digital world, Paul currently finds himself as global head of digital at Forevermark Diamonds from De Beers delivering the global strategy and overseeing the delivery of advertising, websites, social and mobile activity across China, Japan, India and the US. Originally from a creative background, Paul worked within many agencies before going client side. Paul is passionate about all things mobile and speaks regularly at events.
Rav Punia
Rio Tinto
Rav Punia, Rio Tinto
Rav Punia is the head of digital for Rio Tinto, the diversified and global mining group. He is responsible for the development and delivery of the Group digital and social media strategy. Prior to joining Rio Tinto Rav worked in senior positions in both agency and client side - providing expertise on all aspects of digital and mobile initiatives.
Rav Punia, Rio Tinto
Rav Punia is the head of digital for Rio Tinto, the diversified and global mining group. He is responsible for the development and delivery of the Group digital and social media strategy. Prior to joining Rio Tinto Rav worked in senior positions in both agency and client side - providing expertise on all aspects of digital and mobile initiatives.
Vikki Chowney
TMW
Vikki Chowney, TMW
Vikki is head of community at intelligent influence agency TMW. She's a former journalist, most recently as news editor for Econsultancy. From 2009 - 2011 she was editor of Reputation Online, a sister title to new media age that presented both editorial and user-generated coverage of the digital PR landscape. She also penned a monthly column for Communicate magazine throughout 2011. In a previous life Vikki worked in PR, specialising in digital and social media for clients including Acceleration, ZYB, Skype and Vodafone.
Vikki Chowney, TMW
Vikki is head of community at intelligent influence agency TMW. She's a former journalist, most recently as news editor for Econsultancy. From 2009 - 2011 she was editor of Reputation Online, a sister title to new media age that presented both editorial and user-generated coverage of the digital PR landscape. She also penned a monthly column for Communicate magazine throughout 2011. In a previous life Vikki worked in PR, specialising in digital and social media for clients including Acceleration, ZYB, Skype and Vodafone.
Phil Ryan
3 Monkey Communications
Phil Ryan, 3 Monkey Communications
Phil has eleven years of technology and digital marketing experience. He currently advises clients on how best to leverage new and social media. He is well versed in providing digital strategy and implementing online campaigns and community management programmes on behalf of his clients. He has overseen the creation of digital assets (everything from full websites, video content, applications and animations), managing a team of developers, designers and audio/visual specialists. Current clients include Microsoft, BiC and Gumtree.
Phil Ryan, 3 Monkey Communications
Phil has eleven years of technology and digital marketing experience. He currently advises clients on how best to leverage new and social media. He is well versed in providing digital strategy and implementing online campaigns and community management programmes on behalf of his clients. He has overseen the creation of digital assets (everything from full websites, video content, applications and animations), managing a team of developers, designers and audio/visual specialists. Current clients include Microsoft, BiC and Gumtree.
Pieter Myburgh
Anglo American
Pieter Myburgh, Anglo American
Pieter Myburgh is head of marketing communications & digital at Anglo American. In this capacity he recently managed the changeover to the new Anglo American brand, launched a global advertising campaign, and oversees Anglo American's web, intranet and recently launched social media platforms. He is also responsible for sponsorships and digital asset management. He has more than 20 years' experience in both internal and external communication management both globally and locally covering mining, manufacturing, higher education and consultancy.
Pieter Myburgh, Anglo American
Pieter Myburgh is head of marketing communications & digital at Anglo American. In this capacity he recently managed the changeover to the new Anglo American brand, launched a global advertising campaign, and oversees Anglo American's web, intranet and recently launched social media platforms. He is also responsible for sponsorships and digital asset management. He has more than 20 years' experience in both internal and external communication management both globally and locally covering mining, manufacturing, higher education and consultancy.
Neil Jenkins
Coca-Cola Enterprises
Neil Jenkins, Coca-Cola Enterprises
Neil is responsible for driving internal communications strategy at Coca-Cola Enterprises, which manufactures and distributes Coca-Cola products in Great Britain, France, Benelux, Norway and Sweden. His role includes developing how the company uses digital communications to engage its multinational workforce of 13,500 employees. Neil joined the business in 2008 and is based at its European headquarters in Uxbridge. Earlier in his career, he held senior internal communications positions at Vodafone and Siemens.
Neil Jenkins, Coca-Cola Enterprises
Neil is responsible for driving internal communications strategy at Coca-Cola Enterprises, which manufactures and distributes Coca-Cola products in Great Britain, France, Benelux, Norway and Sweden. His role includes developing how the company uses digital communications to engage its multinational workforce of 13,500 employees. Neil joined the business in 2008 and is based at its European headquarters in Uxbridge. Earlier in his career, he held senior internal communications positions at Vodafone and Siemens.
Maz Hayes
RBS
Maz Hayes, RBS
Maz has worked for a dozen years across the digital spectrum within financial services. Her present role drives forward the digital proposition in support of the RBS Group communications and engagement strategy. She is currently preoccupied with integrating the best of real-time social media into established digital channels. She is excited by the possibilities presented by the future of digital and is delighted to be part of the panel of judges in this year’s Digital Impact awards.
Maz Hayes, RBS
Maz has worked for a dozen years across the digital spectrum within financial services. Her present role drives forward the digital proposition in support of the RBS Group communications and engagement strategy. She is currently preoccupied with integrating the best of real-time social media into established digital channels. She is excited by the possibilities presented by the future of digital and is delighted to be part of the panel of judges in this year’s Digital Impact awards.
Neil Barnett
Friends Life Group
Neil Barnett, Friends Life Group
Neil is the online communications manager for the Friends Life Group. Responsible for the introduction and development of the first Friends life intranet back in 2000, Neil has also focused on digital communications for external corporate audiences. During the listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2001, Neil introduced a new corporate online presence for the Friends Provident Group. In 2009, Neil was responsible for leading the financial services sector into social media with one of the first Twitter accounts aimed at independent financial advisors and customers. Neil is a founding member of the Intranet Benchmarking Forum which now covers all aspects of the digital workplace and a fellow member of the Institute of Internal Communications.
Neil Barnett, Friends Life Group
Neil is the online communications manager for the Friends Life Group. Responsible for the introduction and development of the first Friends life intranet back in 2000, Neil has also focused on digital communications for external corporate audiences. During the listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2001, Neil introduced a new corporate online presence for the Friends Provident Group. In 2009, Neil was responsible for leading the financial services sector into social media with one of the first Twitter accounts aimed at independent financial advisors and customers. Neil is a founding member of the Intranet Benchmarking Forum which now covers all aspects of the digital workplace and a fellow member of the Institute of Internal Communications.
Linda McBain,
Save the Children
Linda McBain,, Save the Children
Linda McBain has been the digital marketing manager at Save the Children since January 2011, managing its social media, email marketing, mobile marketing, PPC and display advertising activity. She has 8 years marketing experience, with the last 6 years working in digital for the charity sector. You can find her on Twitter @Lindamcb
Linda McBain,, Save the Children
Linda McBain has been the digital marketing manager at Save the Children since January 2011, managing its social media, email marketing, mobile marketing, PPC and display advertising activity. She has 8 years marketing experience, with the last 6 years working in digital for the charity sector. You can find her on Twitter @Lindamcb
Jo Johnson
London Symphony Orchestra
Jo Johnson, London Symphony Orchestra
Jo is responsible for the London Symphony Orchestra’s website, e-marketing, social media, mobile projects and digital content. She speaks on digital strategy and content at seminars and lectures, most recently the Asociación Española de Orquestas Sinfónicas, L’Association Française des Orchestres and City University, and consults with orchestras and arts organisations around the world, most recently the Sydney Symphony and Exeter Northcott Theatre. Jo also chairs the Association of British Orchestra’s Digital Managers’ Forum.
Jo Johnson, London Symphony Orchestra
Jo is responsible for the London Symphony Orchestra’s website, e-marketing, social media, mobile projects and digital content. She speaks on digital strategy and content at seminars and lectures, most recently the Asociación Española de Orquestas Sinfónicas, L’Association Française des Orchestres and City University, and consults with orchestras and arts organisations around the world, most recently the Sydney Symphony and Exeter Northcott Theatre. Jo also chairs the Association of British Orchestra’s Digital Managers’ Forum.
Ben Matthews
Bright One
Ben Matthews, Bright One
Ben is a freelance digital PR consultant specialising in tech, media and charity sectors. He was awarded Young PR Professional of the Year 2010 and is the youngest ever PR professional to be featured in PR Week. His freelance clients include American Express, WWF and LOCOG.
Ben Matthews, Bright One
Ben is a freelance digital PR consultant specialising in tech, media and charity sectors. He was awarded Young PR Professional of the Year 2010 and is the youngest ever PR professional to be featured in PR Week. His freelance clients include American Express, WWF and LOCOG.
Abby Guthkelch
Royal Mail
Abby Guthkelch, Royal Mail
Abby is the head of digital communications and planning at Royal Mail Group. She has a proven track record in maximising digital integration across internal and external communication to transform and enhance brand, customer and colleague advocacy. Abby has worked in senior corporate communications, investor relations, and digital consulting positions both in-house (private and public sector) and agency-side.
Abby Guthkelch, Royal Mail
Abby is the head of digital communications and planning at Royal Mail Group. She has a proven track record in maximising digital integration across internal and external communication to transform and enhance brand, customer and colleague advocacy. Abby has worked in senior corporate communications, investor relations, and digital consulting positions both in-house (private and public sector) and agency-side.