News

Three new Senior Directors in our December promotions and Strategic Advisor appointments

We have promoted three new Senior Directors alongside appointing new Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) and built environment advisors to our Leadership Team.

Nick Jones leads our Strategic Communications service. He takes on the role of Senior Director after joining the business in 2018 and expanding the range of services offered in this area. The team now offers a full agency service across planning communications, insight-led placemaking and corporate affairs in the built environment across the UK and Ireland.

Katy Lightbody has been promoted to Senior Director in the Heritage, Townscape and Landscape team. In her new role Katy will continue to deliver for clients and develop business across the Midlands and north of England, whilst leading on company initiatives.

Joanna Turner has become Senior Finance Director. Joanna will continue to lead the Finance team and take on increased leadership responsibilities within the business.

Katy and Joanna’s progression follows their appointment to our Leadership Team earlier in the year. 

We have also brought in two strategic I&D advisors: Sharon Amesu and Toby Mildon. These roles are designed to bring even more diverse perspectives and experiences to leadership forums. 

A third I&D advisor has been appointed with a focus on the built environment. Michele Steel has been brought in to support the Leadership Team and act as a role model within our business. Michele has over 15 years strategic planning expertise working as a Planning Director at Deloitte and four years as Strategic Planning Director at Vita Group.

Elsewhere, we have made numerous promotions across our offices and services:

• Amy Cooper, Director, Planning, South West
• Diane Bowers, Director, Planning, Midlands
• Taylor Cherrett, Director, Planning, South East
• Abi Roberts, Associate Director, Planning, Wales
• Ben Williams, Associate Director, Planning, Midlands
• Claire Hines, Associate Director, Heritage, Townscape and Landscape
• Alessandro Bello, Senior Consultant, Heritage, Townscape and Landscape
• Frances Lennon, Senior Planner, South West
• Jessica Powell, Senior Planner, Scotland Edinburgh
• Mary McCabe, Senior Planner, Scotland Edinburgh
• Amy Whitten, Urban Designer, Design, South West
• Fin Maguire, Consultant, Sustainability
• Lizzie Bolton, Consultant, Sustainability
• Sophie Romain, Business Partner, People & Culture, Central Services
• Sweety Carvalho, Business Partner, People & Culture, Central Services

Speaking about the promotions and appointments, Chief Executive Dave Trimingham, said:

“Congratulations to all on their promotions and welcome to our Strategic Advisors. 

“As an employee-owned business, we believe in diversifying our decision making and that inclusive growth is best for our people, clients and communities.

“We aim for at least 30% women at our leadership forums and are very pleased to continue to meet this objective. Through the appointment of external I&D consultants our strategic intent to build an even more diverse and inclusive business continues.”

1 December 2022