Meet the Team
Senior Leadership Team
Jo McCarthy Director (Client Experience)
Jo McCarthy Director (Client Experience)
Since joining WPR more than 20 years ago, Jo has worked with some of the best-known B2B and B2C brands in the UK. This includes the consultancy’s very first client, Triton Showers, which is still with us after 25 years. These days, Jo is responsible for all aspects of client care, as well as supporting teams with service delivery and best-practice guidance.
Tom Leatherbarrow DIRECTOR (B2B)
Tom Leatherbarrow DIRECTOR (B2B)
Tom’s client base spans a variety of sectors, from engineering and manufacturing through to building products, heating and ventilation. He is particularly skilled at bringing technical subject matter to life, helping WPR’s clients reach defined audiences by generating engaging content and then using digital techniques to target, engage and convert customers. His ‘issues-based’ approach refocuses PR and marketing campaigns away from product pushing and towards a more empathetic, customer-centric strategy.
Don Skoyles Director (Finance and Operations)
Don Skoyles Director (Finance and Operations)
Don is responsible for every aspect of financial management at WPR, leading a team of specialists including senior finance assistant Nic Grant. From making sure we have the correct purchase orders and monthly fee invoices in place to liaising with purchasing teams and suppliers, Don and his team are always available to help, whatever the query.
Our Team
Scott Buckley Junior PR & Content Executive
Scott Buckley Junior PR & Content Executive
After graduating with a history degree from the University of Exeter, Scott joined WPR in 2024. His journey into the world of public relations began with the Next Gen internship during the summer of 2024, where he immersed himself in the dynamic field of B2B PR and communications.
During the internship, Scott discovered his knack for blending analytical thinking with creative storytelling, which sparked a genuine passion for the industry. He had the opportunity to work on various projects, gaining insights into client needs and the strategies that drive successful PR campaigns.
Now a member of WPR’s B2B PR team, Scott works with a diverse range of clients, including Cooksongold, Alwayse, QED, and Offshore Electronics.
Lauren Stephenson Junior PR and Content Executive
Lauren Stephenson Junior PR and Content Executive
After completing her degree in English Literature at the University of Gloucestershire, Lauren joined WPR as an intern. She enjoyed learning about the industry and swiftly made an impression. So much so that she was offered a permanent role and joined the team in 2023.
Now a member of the consumer team, Lauren works on accounts including Care UK and Redrow.
Scarlett Stevens PR and Content Executive
Scarlett Stevens PR and Content Executive
Scarlett joined WPR in 2024 after gaining experience in both agency and in-house roles. With a passion for crafting compelling narratives, Scarlett also enjoys building strong relationships with both clients and media.
As a member of WPR’s consumer team, Scarlett now works on accounts including Beaverbrooks, Care UK and Co-op Funeralcare.
Jack Blenkiron PR and Content Executive
Jack Blenkiron PR and Content Executive
Jack joined WPR in 2023 after graduating from the University of Birmingham with first class honours in business management. During his studies, Jack was introduced to public relations and grasped the opportunity to join WPR as a Next Gen intern in summer 2022, gaining industry experience that proved essential to his final year modules.
Having made a strong impression during his internship, Jack developed a passion for B2B PR, and returned to WPR to join the team permanently in 2023, working with clients such as Electrolux and Secure Trust Bank.
Ellen Lovatt PR and Content Executive
Ellen Lovatt PR and Content Executive
Ellen first impressed the WPR team when she completed a Next Gen internship in 2022. She developed a passion for creative communications and enjoyed learning about the industry in such a friendly atmosphere.
Her talent was immediately apparent, and she was offered a full-time role for when she graduated. While completing her BSc hons in psychology at University of Liverpool, Ellen returned twice to further develop her skills, before joining full time in 2024.
Now a PR and content executive on the consumer PR team, Ellen is exceptional at delivering coverage for her impressive roster of clients including Care UK, Redrow, and Co-op Funeralcare.
Lucy Roberts PR and Content Executive
Lucy Roberts PR and Content Executive
After enjoying ten years as a regional news reporter, specialising in human interest stories, Lucy decided it was time to turn her writing talents to PR and joined WPR in 2024.
Fully NCTJ-qualified, with a degree in English and creative writing and a masters in newspaper journalism, Lucy is passionate about bringing stories to life and sharing them with the world.
Lucy is now a member of WPR’s consumer PR team, harnessing her creative skills to produce enthralling copy and ideas for clients including Care UK and Redrow.
Claire Griffin PR and Content Executive
Claire Griffin PR and Content Executive
Claire joined WPR in March 2024 after completing a Next Gen level one placement earlier in the year. After spending five years working in sales for a London-based publishing company, Claire brings with her a wealth of experience when it comes to building client relations.
With a degree from the University of Exeter in liberal arts, and a proficiency in Spanish (including spending a year studying abroad), Claire has turned her talent for communications towards a career in PR. Now a member of WPR’s consumer PR team, Claire is working with clients including PDSA, Beaverbrooks, Warner Hotels, and Oxfam.
Alex Murray PR and Content Executive
Alex Murray PR and Content Executive
Alex joined WPR in 2023 after amassing a wealth of experience in various B2B sectors. Beginning his career in journalism after graduating from De Montfort University, Alex switched to PR post-lockdown. He completed a postgraduate degree in public relations at Birmingham City University, before joining the industry.
Passionate about creating enthralling copy and content for clients, Alex is a part of the B2B team at WPR, working on accounts including Aggreko and Element.
Caitlin Lunk PR and Content Executive
Caitlin Lunk PR and Content Executive
After completing her degree in communications and public relations at the University of Lincoln, Caitlin joined the WPR B2B team in 2021 as junior PR executive.
Having previously worked with an assortment of clients through the University of Lincoln’s student-run PR agency, Caitlin arrived with a raft practical skills, plus new ideas to apply to her work for WPR clients, and quickly made her mark on the team.
Stella Morrall Content Executive
Stella Morrall Content Executive
Stella joined WPR in 2023 after completing a joint-honours degree in English and Journalism at Birmingham City University.
With a passion for writing, Stella was keen to find a career that would allow her to blend her love of language with creating engaging content. A work placement during her time at university sparked an enthusiasm for B2B communications, and she expanded her skills by writing for magazines and news sites.
Now a member of WPR’s content team, Stella works with clients including Lloyd’s Register Foundation, IMI and Secure Trust Bank.
Kiera Eady Senior PR and Content Executive
Kiera Eady Senior PR and Content Executive
Kiera joined WPR in 2024, following two years at a PR agency working across multiple property client accounts. During this time, Kiera gained a PRCA-certified qualification in PR and comms, honed her industry-related skills, and developed a passion for building client relationships.
Now a member of WPR’s consumer team, Kiera works on accounts including Redrow, Care UK, West Midlands Safari Park and Triton.
Joe Legge Senior PR and Content Executive
Joe Legge Senior PR and Content Executive
Joe joined WPR in 2022 as a junior PR and content executive, after completing his master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.
Prior to starting at WPR, Joe taught English for three years in Mexico while trying to learn Spanish – an endeavour that WPR and the Live Free Fund is helping him continue.
As part of the B2B PR team at WPR, Joe works with clients across manufacturing, construction, HVAC and assurance.
Emily Reeve Graphic Designer
Emily Reeve Graphic Designer
Emily joined the WPR design team in May 2024, having gained three year’s design experience working as a graphic designer for Birmingham based creative agencies.
With a BA Hons in graphic design and visual communication, Emily uses her digital skills and creative flair to craft design solutions across B2B and consumer brands.
Taylor Johnson PR and Content Manager
Taylor Johnson PR and Content Manager
Taylor joined WPR in 2024, bringing a strong background in consumer PR and considerable knowledge of the home and interiors sector. She thrives on the creative aspects of the role and has a proven track record of securing high-quality coverage in top consumer publications.
Dedicated to building great relationships with her clients, at WPR Taylor manages the press office for Beaverbrooks, Triton, Benchmarx, Wilsonart, and Warner Hotels.
Tia Patel Pr and Content Manager
Tia Patel Pr and Content Manager
Tia joined WPR in 2024, bringing a strong background in consumer communications. After completing her master’s degree in public relations in 2021, Tia gained experience working with well-known brands including Nestle, HSBC UK, The Crown Estate and World Health Organization. Tia’s experience spans a wide variety of sectors, from home and interiors to food and drink, sport, travel, technology, finance, healthcare and charity.
Passionate about DEI, Tia is a part of the PRCA’s Racial Equality and Equity (REEB) board.
Now a member of WPR’s consumer team, Tia works with clients including Care UK and Redrow Homes.
Cathy Hardwick Paid Media Manager
Cathy Hardwick Paid Media Manager
Cathy joined WPR in 2022, bringing experience of managing social accounts across industries ranging from transport and hospitality to agriculture and health.
Cathy’s knack for developing creative and purpose-driven content allows her to deliver successful campaigns across organic and paid social media.
With a digital marketing background, Cathy also enjoys content writing and SEO, allowing her to build wider social strategy for her clients thanks to her understanding of how the social cog fits into the marketing machine.
Pete Bowers Senior PR and Content Manager
Pete Bowers Senior PR and Content Manager
Pete joined WPR in 2023 with more than a decade of PR experience both in Parliament and agency settings.
His specialisms span a range of B2B sectors, including considerable knowledge of professional services. Pete particularly enjoys the challenge of translating complex technical subjects into engaging content that delivers on clients’ strategic goals.
In autumn 2022, Pete was awarded Chartered PR Practitioner status by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Sam Brown Senior PR Manager
Sam Brown Senior PR Manager
Sam joined WPR in May 2021, following a career in education, teaching English and media. Always intrigued by the dynamic nature of the media landscape, Sam decided to swap the classroom for agency life – and hasn’t looked back since!
With a degree in English literature, a first-class master’s in PR, and years of experience marking students’ homework, Sam has a keen eye for detail, and excels at writing engaging copy and devising campaign ideas for his clients. His creativity sees him managing a variety of consumer accounts, including Volvo Car UK, Redrow Homes, Fujifilm and Care UK.
Céline Bisson Senior PR Manager
Céline Bisson Senior PR Manager
Since joining WPR as a junior account executive in February 2018, Céline has developed an in-depth knowledge of regional media and a strong track record of delivering high-quality coverage for a host of clients in the retail and leisure sector.
Her experience includes managing community outreach programmes for the likes of Redrow Homes, alongside regional and national brand awareness campaigns for Care UK, National Trust and Greene King.
Gideon Casey Senior Media Relations Manager
Gideon Casey Senior Media Relations Manager
Gideon joined WPR in September 2019 after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in French, Spanish and German and has since become a specialist in all things media relations.
With expertise in energy policy, the retail industry and the built environment, Gideon creates compelling news stories relevant to national, broadcast and trade media, which have contributed to a number of successful B2B and corporate campaigns. Working with the agency’s other marketing disciplines, his work also contributes to the impact that integrated campaigns within multiple industries can have across all media.
From heating solutions to jewellery, cameras to industrial scale printers, Gideon delivers results across industries for many of WPR’s B2B and B2C clients.
Ellie Cwietkow Senior Designer
Ellie Cwietkow Senior Designer
Ellie joined the WPR design team in July 2019 following four years’ design experience in agency environments. Ellie graduated with a BA Hons in Illustration and combines this knowledge with her exceptional photography skills to create standout assets for a number of B2B and B2C brands.
Andy Gorman Senior Paid Acquisition and Data Manager
Andy Gorman Senior Paid Acquisition and Data Manager
Andy is a certified Google Ads and Bing Ads professional with over a decade’s experience – from both agency and in-house environments – in delivering pay-per-click campaigns nationally and internationally, and managing sizeable monthly budgets.
A specialist in website conversion rate optimisation and website user-journey planning, Andy has expert knowledge of Google Analytics, Google Looker Studio and Microsoft Power BI reporting, and how to use that reporting data to pinpoint areas of potential business growth.
Ricco Leung Senior PR Manager
Ricco Leung Senior PR Manager
Ricco arrived at WPR in 2021, bringing with him more than a decade’s agency experience. During his career to date, he has worked across industries such as plumbing and heating, construction and building, and engineering and manufacturing, gaining valuable knowledge of these specialist areas, including in sub-sectors such as die casting, surface plating and finishing.
Experienced in global campaigns, product launches, whitepapers and long form thought leadership, social media and media relations, Ricco now works on WPR’s B2B team.
Grace Rudd Senior Social Media Manager
Grace Rudd Senior Social Media Manager
Grace joined WPR in 2023 with over seven years’ experience in social. After moving from a combined PR and social role to a social-focused role in 2020, Grace has spent the last few years working with well-known tech brands including Huawei and Nokia. Grace’s experience spans a wide variety of sectors from tech, retail, sport, food and drink and charity.
At WPR, Grace is responsible for creating and implementing social media content strategies for several consumer clients, ensuring content excites the audience and brand KPIs and objectives are exceeded. While, outside work, Grace can be found running the social media channels for her football team, Bewdley Town Ladies FC, and a charity pantomime which raises over £25k a year for the local community (oh, yes, she does…).
Ed Owen Senior Media Relations and Content Manager
Ed Owen Senior Media Relations and Content Manager
An NCTJ-qualified journalist, Ed possesses a keen eye for language and communication. With over ten years’ content creation and curation experience, he is proficient in writing and editing for a variety of audiences, to a high level of technical detail.
Ed’s key strengths lie in media relations and breaking down complex topics to create compelling content and collateral. He has played a pivotal role in various award-winning campaigns, adapting client messaging across the B2B sphere to appeal to multiple audiences in eye-catching fashion.
George Moss Design Director
George Moss Design Director
Our in-house design team is led by design director George Moss. George has extensive commercial design experience, working in agency and in-house roles for brands known internationally.
George is always keen to push the boundaries of design to produce creatives that surpass client expectations. He believes a good concept is just as important as the execution, which is why the design team works closely with the wider agency to blend inspired ideas with aesthetic impact.
Tom Went Content Director
Tom Went Content Director
Tom is a content specialist experienced in B2B PR and publishing. Before joining WPR, he worked with clients in facilities management, corporate real estate, workplace design, technology and financial services.
Specialising in long-form research reports and white papers, Tom turns technical subject matter into accessible campaign content that helps to generate leads and position clients as industry thought leaders.
Tom works across WPR’s B2B portfolio, supporting the team with campaign messaging, research and content creation.
Rob Lewis Paid Social Director
Rob Lewis Paid Social Director
Rob is a paid social performance marketing specialist with seven years’ experience buying media across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and, more recently, TikTok for both major B2C and B2B brands.
Using a data driven approach, Rob delivers holistic, results orientated paid social strategy with a focus on direct response revenue and lead generation for clients.
Keenly aware of the fast-moving social landscape, Rob prides himself on being able to translate marketing best practice to the latest social media platforms to move the needle for clients’ businesses.
Beth Hendley PR Director
Beth Hendley PR Director
Specialising in consumer PR, Beth has seven years’ experience in the home, lifestyle and retail sectors. Having started her career in a digital and PR hybrid role, Beth has experience of developing and implementing PR strategies that maximise both online and offline channels. Demonstrating a hands-on approach, Beth has built an enviable list of media contacts throughout her career, spanning national and regional titles.
At WPR, Beth works with brands including Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, Greene King and Redrow Homes, ensuring both strategic campaign and day-to-day activity is effectively executed so brands reach the right people at the right time.
Shannon Peerless Senior PR Director
Shannon Peerless Senior PR Director
Shannon joined WPR in 2024, bringing nearly 16 years of PR experience. She rose through the ranks at her previous agency, starting as a junior PR executive, working her way up to head of PR, and leaving as the firm’s managing director.
There, she spearheaded impactful campaigns for major brands, including Confused.com, Water Aid, Just Eat, Optical Express, Huel and Carwow.
Shannon has worked with brands in almost every sector imaginable on a mix of B2C and B2B briefs, but her passion lies in meaningful consumer PR for organisations that are truly brilliant at what they do and make a real difference.
Her expertise spans all areas of public relations, from creative ideation and strategy development to executing award-winning campaigns and leading a team to deliver on KPIs. She is passionate about the media and communications and crafting stories for brands that elevate their key messages and resonate with target audiences to drive engagement.
At WPR, she works across some of the biggest consumer PR accounts, including Care UK and Redrow Homes.
Rachael Heise Senior PR Director
Rachael Heise Senior PR Director
With more than a decade’s experience in PR and events, Rachael specialises in developing and delivering creative campaigns for some of WPR’s leading consumer clients. These include Redrow, Volvo and Care UK – the UK’s largest independent provider of health and social care.
As well as imparting strategic advice to clients with nationwide outlets, Rachael has a network of press contacts that is second to none. Her hands-on approach means she knows how to capture the attention of both the national and regional press, and where best to place a story for maximum effect.
Support Team
Philippa Crosthwaite Marketing Director
Philippa Crosthwaite Marketing Director
Pip has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications, gained through agency and in-house roles across a variety of industries. As WPR’s marketing director she is responsible for making sure we practise what we preach, communicating what we offer and sharing the stories of our success with as much passion as we demonstrate for our clients.
She took on her current role in 2021 but Pip has known the WPR team for many years, having first joined for a student placement during her PR degree and then beginning her career here as graduate account executive over two decades ago.
Melanie Palmer HR Manager
Melanie Palmer HR Manager
Mel joined WPR more than 20 years ago and has been WPR’s HR manager since 2012.
In addition to being CIPD Level 3 qualified, Mel is a trained first aider and mental health first aider. The first port of call for all recruitment enquiries, she liaises with agencies and universities on a regular basis and, once applicants become a part of the WPR team, Mel is responsible for integrating them into the business with a comprehensive induction process, regularly checking in on their progress.
Working behind the scenes, Mel is also responsible for ensuring WPR is health and safety compliant, managing the safe running and maintenance of the fabulous period building that we are proud to call the WPR office.
Sally Price Marketing Executive
Sally Price Marketing Executive
Sally holds the notable distinction of being WPR’s first ever employee, originally working as PA to WPR’s founder Julia Willoughby. Over the subsequent three decades, Sally has been an integral member of WPR’s support team, overseeing the administrative organisation of the agency for many years.
In her current role, Sally works on the marketing team with a remit that spans everything from maintaining the company website and designing new case studies, to creating WPR’s newsletter, managing the database and developing award entries. Her creative eye and meticulous attention to detail make her a valuable member of the team.
Nic Grant Finance Assistant
Nic Grant Finance Assistant
Nic has worked at WPR for 12 years. She is responsible for the smooth running of the sales ledger, client billing and cash flow. She holds responsibility for supporting Don, the finance and operations director, and liaising with team members on the requirements of the company’s financial processes.
Her experience and knowledge have been gained through working in a variety of sectors, including service, legal, engineering and manufacturing, and she is fully AAT qualified. Nic also enjoys assisting on the WPR charity committee and being creative with fun charity activities.
Jayne Stanion Team Wellbeing and Client Care Lead
Jayne Stanion Team Wellbeing and Client Care Lead
Jayne leads our team wellbeing programme, ensuring our Thrive and mental health first aid activities are industry leading. Her friendly personality and passion for all things relating to health and wellbeing make her ideally suited to her role and she is genuinely committed to supporting our team.
As the head of WPR’s Thrive committee, Jayne organises a raft of initiatives with the team’s mental health in mind and arranges a varied programme of events. Jayne is also a first aider, mental health first aider and fire warden. She has been on numerous charity committees, working with others to raise money for causes close to WPR’s heart and is currently working with the Ladywood Community Project.
When she’s not looking after us, Jayne also plays a key role with our clients, helping ensure their experience with WPR is a memorable one.
Nicki Ewen Office Manager
Nicki Ewen Office Manager
As our office manager, Nicki uses her wealth of administrative and organisational experience to ensure the WPR office runs like clockwork and provide valuable support to the whole team.
If you visit or contact us, Nicki will almost certainly be the first person you speak to. Acting as our welcoming first point of contact, Nicki makes sure our clients and guests have the best possible experience whether they’re visiting us in person, or getting in touch via email or telephone.