2024 Judges

 

Helen Barras, Group Marketing Manager, Walker Filtration
View Helen’s Biography

Cat Bramwell, Senior Consultant, Nigel Wright
View Cat’s Biography

Paul Cairney, Head of Marketing, Melius Cyber
 View Paul’s Biography

Ben Cook, Deputy Director of External Affairs, sunderland University
 View Ben’s Biography

Craig Dallison, CEO, Everflow Utilities
View Craig’s Biography

Craig Daly, Managing Director, Northern Print Solutions
View Craig’s Biography

Lisa Eaton, Founder & CEO, Fabric
View Lisa’s Biography

Matt Forster, Associate Director, Gardiner Richardson 
View Matt’s Biography

Michele Gettins, Chief Marketing Officer, iamproperty
View Michele’s Biography

Kieron Goldsborough, Chief Executive Officer, Different Narrative
 View Kieron’s Biography

Nicola Irving, Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications, Pearson Engineering LTD
View Nicola’s Biography

Chris Kent, Managing Consultant, Senior and Director, Nigel Wright
 View Chris’s Biography

Herb Kim, Founder & CEO, Thinking Digital

View Herb’s Biography

Steven Lynch, Head of Digital Marketing, Parkdean Resorts

View Steven’s Biography

Victoria McCartney, Executive Director, Cool Blue Brand Communications

View Victoria’s Biography

Sarah McCourt, Head of Communications, Marketing and Customer Information, Nexus

View Sarahs’s Biography

Rob McInally, Global Director of Marketing and Communications, NorthStandard
View Rob’s Biography

David McNiven, Head of Marketing, Hays Travel
 View David’s Biography

 

 

Heike O’Leary, Chief Marketing Officer, Haines Watts
View Heike’s Biography

Sasha O’Niell, Head Of Marketing, Durham University
View Sasha’s Biography

Jess Sinton, Principal Consultant, Nigel Wright
View Jess’s Biography

Caroline Smith, Marketing Director, Swinburne Maddison LLP
View Caroline’s Biography

Veronica Swindale, Managing Director, Nesma
 View Veronica’s Biography

Steve Underwood. Managing Director, Bonded
 View Steve’s Biography

James Watson, Head of Marketing, Nuby UK LLP
 View James’s Biography

Jason Yip, Head of Marketing Web, CRM and Analytics, Newcastle University
View Jason’s Biography

 

Helen Barras, Group Marketing Manager, Walker Filtration

From NASA to the Nürburgring, Helena’s career spans a range of exciting projects across engineering, automotive, and financial services, with senior marketing roles at Johnson Matthey Plc, Northgate Plc, Capita Plc, and Newcastle Building Society. She currently heads up global marketing strategy and communications at five times Queen’s Award winners; Walker Filtration, part of the Swedish blue-chip Atlas Copco Group.

Despite a career in global roles, Helena’s roots are firmly in the North-East with her family and animals - a horse and a hound. Passionate about ensuring sustainable career paths in the region, Helena’s worked with both of Newcastle’s universities as a guest lecturer. Helena herself has a Master’s in Marketing, and is a graduate of Mark Ritson’s mini MBA program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cat Bramwell, Senior Consultant, Nigel Wright

Cat has joined Nigel Wright with over 15 years of experience in the retail sector, primarily operating Pandora Franchise stores throughout the North East of England, helping to grow the brand, develop the ecommerce presence and establish excellence across the customer experience. Cat now sits within the Sales and Marketing team specialising in junior marketing roles across sectors within the North East of England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Cairney, Head of Marketing, Melius Cyber

Paul recently joined Melius Cyber as Head of Marketing, where he is driving the company’s growth strategy in the cybersecurity space. Prior to this, Paul led marketing at Newcastle Building Society during a period of unprecedented growth and profitability. With over 20 years of senior marketing experience across a range of sectors, he has worked with prominent brands including Royal Bank of Scotland, The Co-operative Bank, MBNA, United Utilities, and the global accountancy software leader Sage.

Paul’s expertise spans both B2B and B2C marketing, giving him a unique ability to navigate various markets and craft exceptional customer experiences. A passionate advocate for the North East, Paul is committed to working with purpose-driven organisations that aim to make a positive impact. He currently serves on the Board of Darlington Credit Union.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Cook, Deputy Director of External Affairs, Sunderland University

Ben is an accomplished marketing professional with extensive experience marketing global brands including Costa Coffee, UNIQLO, and Barbour. With a talent for audience centric brand strategy, he has specialist experience across digital marketing, eCommerce and brand partnerships. After relaunching UNIQLO in the UK he went on to lead the growth and digital marketing of UNIQLO’s eCommerce platform across nine European markets, Ben returned to the North East in 2021. Now at University of Sunderland as Deputy Director of External Relations, he is passionate about contributing to the region’s future, working at an institution integral to its growth and development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig Dallison, CEO, Everflow 

With over 25 years in marketing, Craig has held senior marketing roles in both global multinational businesses and UK based SME’s. Craig has a passion for building brands as well as driving business growth and sustainability through customer-centric solutions and innovation. Building on those creative marketing roots, Craig is now the CEO of Everflow, one of the fastest growing multi-utility providers in the UK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig Daly, Managing Director, Northern Print Solutions

Craig Daly is the Managing Director of Northern Print Solutions, a premier print and marketing services provider in the North East. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Craig has earned a reputation for his innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier, client-focused solutions. His leadership has transformed Northern Print Solutions into a trusted partner for agencies and marketing departments, helping them achieve their goals with precision and creativity. As a judge for the North East Marketing Awards, Craig brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for celebrating and advancing marketing excellence in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Eaton, Founder & CEO, Fabric

Lisa Eaton is a marketing expert, strategy consultant and Founder of Fabric Academy, an online training provider that empowers ambitious marketers and marketing teams to excel worldwide.

Established in 2021, Fabric Academy offers a CPD-accredited marketing strategy programme that supports current and aspiring marketers by levelling up their knowledge
and enhancing their skills. Making huge waves in the marketing education landscape, Fabric has already attracted brands such as Indeed, Boots, The Body Shop, itsu and Savills to level up their marketing teams.

With more than two decades of experience in creating and executing marketing and communication strategies for global brands, Lisa has a deep understanding of what it takes to develop a high-level marketing strategy that makes an impact while delivering tangible business results.

Lisa is a strong advocate for women in business and is committed to supporting them in achieving their full potential through mentoring and sharing her experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt Forster, Associate Director, Gardiner Richardson

Matt is a creative brand strategist with over 20-years experience. He has helped brands close to home and further away including Ringtons, Newcastle Building Society and RIBA define and tell their unique stories. A former journalist who worked at regional and national level, Matt has also worked in media and public relations. Matt is part of the leadership team at Gardiner Richardson, a 25 year old award winning brand communications agency based in Newcastle and is a trustee on the award winning board at writing development agency New Writing North

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michele Gettins, Chief Marketing Officer, iamproperty

Michele joined iamproperty in 2019 to lead and grow the group’s Marketing function. An experienced senior leader with a strong strategic marketing and commercial background in both B2C and B2B, Michele has a proven track record of delivering results. Now as Chief Marketing Officer, Michele is accountable for building an A+ team and overseeing all aspects of marketing. She is passionate about putting customers at the heart of everything the business does, using customer and consumer insight to support innovation and brand differentiation as key drivers of business and category growth.

 

 

 

Kieron Goldsborough, Chief Executive Officer, Different Narrative

Kieron is CEO of the agency Different Narrative and has over 25 years' experience in leading marketing and communications campaigns for clients at a regional, national and international level. A qualified and experienced Creative Director and marketeer, with current positions at the Northern School of Art, The Northern Film & TV Studios and is a previous City Head for the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.He is also Co-Founder for the Marketing Attribution platform Marketing Engine. Currently in its Beta stage Kieron is working with an exclude set of users to prepare the platform for full commercial release later this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicola Irving, Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications, Pearson Engineering LTD

Nicola is Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications at Pearson Engineering, working in the defence sector to provide equipment that mitigates the threat of explosive devices. She studied French, German and Spanish at University with a view to pursuing an international career, during which a stint at a PR agency in Paris opened her eyes to marketing. As well as a continued commitment to education via CIM and other organisations, Nicola is Chair of the North East’s Future Leaders Network, a Board Member of Business Beats Cancer North East and a Trustee of Tyneside Women’s Health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Kent, Managing Consultant, Senior and Director Commercial Appointments, Nigel Wright

Chris leads the Nigel Wright B2B sales and marketing specialism from our Wynyard office in Teesside. He joined Nigel Wright in 2015 following 10 years in the industry, to be part of the new management team to set up the Nigel Wright Teesside office. Chris is a part of the Management Team of the Nigel Wright Northern Regional Business and has a personal focus on senior and director level commercial appointments for B2B clients. Chris predominantly provides retained searches for niche and sector specific appointments with regional, national and international remits. His expertise is in supporting CEOs, MDs and Sales / Commercial / Marketing Directors successfully grow their teams to drive profitable business growth and he has experience working with owner managed SMEs, privately owned national / global corporate groups and subsidiaries, listed companies and private equity backed organisations. The sectors that Chris works with include: • Oil and Gas • Defence and Aerospace • Engineering • Manufacturing • Chemical and Pharmaceutical • Construction • Transport / Logistics / Distribution • Packaging • Print and Direct Mail • IT / Technology • Public Sector – Commercial Strategic Environments The roles that Chris typically runs searches for include: • Managing Director / Business Unit Director / Commercial General Manager • Sales Director / Head of Sales • Commercial Director / Head of Commercial / Commercial Manager • Marketing Director / Head of Marketing • Account Director / Senior Account Manager • Head of Product Management / Product Manager • Sales Manager / Senior Business Development Manager • Bid / Proposal / Tender Management • Digital Director / Head of Digital / Digital Marketing Manager • Customer Service Director / Head of Customer Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herb Kim, Founder and CEO, Thinking Digital

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Herb is best known as Founder of the long-running Thinking Digital Conference which recently celebrated its 15th Anniversary in 2023. Launched in 2007, the Thinking Digital Conference has become one the UK’s mostly highly regarded technology & thought leadership conferences.

In 2019, Herb’s work on Thinking Digital led him to be named as one of the top 100 Asians in UK Tech. In 2014, Buzzfeed included Herb on its list of “Geordie Heroes”. In 2011, Wired Magazine included him as one it’s Wired 100 top tech leaders of the year. In 2010, the Guardian included Herb in its list of top 100 media figures of the year.

In addition to Thinking Digital, Herb is the Founder and Director of TEDxManchester & TEDxNewcastle which are both among the world’s largest and longest running TEDx events. The speaker videos from Herb’s TEDx events have now been viewed over 50 million times. His most recent creation is the Durham-based Bright Ideas Gathering which specialises in attracting both younger & more senior audiences.

Herb is a Trustee for the Glasshouse International Centre for Music and was the 17th David Goldman Visiting Professor Enterprise & Innovation at Newcastle University Business School.

Herb earned his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his undergraduate degree from Princeton University. He moved to the UK in 1997 and has worked in Newcastle since 2002. He’s a proud father to an 18yo daughter.

Steven Lynch, Head of Digital Marketing, Parkdean Resorts

Steven has over 15 years of expertise in multi-channel digital marketing, and is currently Head of Digital Marketing at Parkdean Resorts, the UKs largest holiday park operator. Beginning his career in affiliate marketing, he has since gained experience in both agency and in-house roles, specialising in PPC, SEO, and various paid media, social and content channels. He has a proven record of driving change and executing effective long-term growth strategies to deliver business goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria McCartney, Executive Director, Cool Blue Brand Communications

Victoria is a creative brand strategist with 13+ years of experience in advertising and marketing. She specialises in developing and executing brand strategies that connect with consumers and create a lasting impression. She also supports clients with brand concepts, product launches, positioning statements, and brand messaging across all channels. Victoria has worked alongside many reputable clients such as Barker and Stonehouse, Carpetright, ScS, Sleepeezee Beds, L'Oréal UK, ASM Global, igloo Regeneration, University of Sunderland, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough College and Fusion Lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah McCourt, Head of Communications, Marketing and Customer Information, Nexus

Sarah McCourt is Head of Communications, Marketing and Customer Information at Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive. She leads an award winning multi-disciplinary team, shaping some of North East England’s most high-profile brands.  Along with being CIM qualified, she has had a career in communications and marketing spanning over 18 years, the majority of that in the housing sector.Sarah was previously Head of Communications and Marketing at Sunderland based Gentoo Group before moving to Karbon Homes where she headed up the communications and marketing function and specialised in brand development and reputation management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rob McInally, Global Director of Marketing and Communications, NorthStandard

Rob McInally is Global Director of Marketing and Communications at NorthStandard, one of the world’s leading providers of marine insurance products and services across the maritime industries. Established through the merger of Newcastle-based North P&I and the Standard Club in February 2023, NorthStandard has an annual premium income of over US$800M and employs over 650 people globally.

Rob is responsible for NorthStandard’s global branding, commercial marketing and communications strategies worldwide. With over 25 years experience in marketing and business development across several B2B sectors, Rob is a Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

 

 

 

David McNiven, Head of Marketing, Hays Travel

David McNiven is a seasoned marketing professional with nearly 20 years of experience in digital and offline channels. He has held key roles at Wavemaker and Cairn Group and spent 5 years in a variety of global roles at Expedia Group in London. Currently the Head of Marketing at Hays Travel, David leads a team of 30 marketing professionals delivering impactful results for the UK’s largest independent travel agent. His expertise includes strategy, business operations, and creating and overseeing market-leading campaigns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heike O'Leary, Chief Marketing Officer, Haines Watts.

A highly experienced and personable bi-lingual branding professional with a track history for championing consumers for a number of highly regarded retail brands, in-house and in agency which include adidas, Callaway Golf & Lookers PLC. Previously responsible for major brand transformations to become the partner of choice for customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders. She thrives in challenging environments with complex requirements, turning business growth ideas into sustainable brand equity with profitable results delivered to the bottom line: on brand, on budget and with a customer-centric mindset. Heike has studied and worked in the UK, Europe, the US and Japan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sasha O'Neill | Head of Marketing, Durham University

Sasha has spent the past 15 years operating at a senior level, across a number of varied sectors, to build an experience which is as broad as it is deep. In her present role as Head of Marketing for Durham University, Sasha oversees a talented multi-discipline team who work towards delivering against recruitment, reputation and revenue objectives of the University.  A passionate advocate for both the North East and the marketing profession, she has lent her voice and talents to brands including Bellway Homes, Elanders and Northumbrian Water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jess Sinton, Principal Consultant, Marketing , Nigel Wright

Jess joined our team in January 2021. Her focus is on mid-senior Marketing recruitment across retail, FMCG, professional services and tech industries. Originally from Newcastle, Jess studied Geography and Sociology at Sheffield University, gaining a BA Hons. She then moved to London in 2010 where she spent 6 years as a Retail Marketer for the likes of Links of London and Jaeger. In 2016, Jess moved into Recruitment, specialising in retail marketing recruitment. As Senior Consultant, she worked with high-profile high-street retailers, hospitality brands and consumer household name brands on mid to senior roles. After 4 years, Jess decided to move back to the North-East by joining our team here at Nigel Wright.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caroline Smith, Marketing Director, Swinburne Maddison LLP 

Caroline Smith joined Swinburne Maddison LLP in May last year. Caroline has considerable experience working in strategic marketing communications, spending 15 years with outdoor brand Berghaus and the past 8 years working as Marketing Director for two high profile North East e-commerce businesses, Pink Boutique and OddBalls. Caroline has a passion for building strong brands, delivering impactful marketing campaigns and importantly measuring their effectiveness. Having had her final year at school in Durham, she is proud to back, working for the City’s leading law firm, which has recently celebrated 25 years of providing bespoke legal support to businesses and private individuals across the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veronica Swindale, Managing Director, Nesma

Today, nesma is a highly respected teaching centre for the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, with impressively high pass rates from students across the UK and worldwide. It constantly expands its offer to learners to reflect the fast-changing business landscape. Most recently, nesma added the prestigious CIM Marketing Leadership Programme, introduced the CIM and CIPR sustainability qualifications, launched the CIM Specialist Digital Awards and partnered with PR Smith, a renowned author and marketing expert, to deliver the popular SOSTAC® planning masterclasses.

As a CIM Fellow and MCIPR, Veronica coaches, teaches, consults and facilitates the careers of many of nesma’s alumni and drives the business forward. She has a wide range of skills in sales, marketing and communications, consultancy and training, relationship management, key account management and customer experience.

Her pride comes from seeing individuals and organisations developing confidently and actioning successful marketing strategies after studying or working with nesma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Underwood | Managing Director

Steve is Founder & Managing Director at Bonded digital & media agency, with over 20 years in the industry, working with global brands through to ambitious start-ups.

Steve believes connection with people is the future of business communications; ‘in an ever changing fast paced world the importance of people has not changed; this is the constant.’

In addition to his role at Bonded, Steve has a passion for helping NE businesses grow & thrive. Steve is Chair of the NELEP Digital Strategy board, board member on the NELEP business growth board and Chair of the NABS NE Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Watson, Head of Marketing, Nuby UK LLP

James entered the wonderful world of marketing at the same time that Guinness put a Polynesian surfer on our TV screens to the beat of Leftfield’s Phat Planet.  And as tik followed tok, James clocked his own path through Formula 1, football, cycling and indeed all sports through his roles at Haymarket Media, E.ON, Umbro (Nike Inc), Paddy Power, Science in Sport and Endura.

In the summer of 2022, James left London and moved permanently to the North East in search of fresh air, hills and a dog, achieving all three KPIs, and getting married for bonus points.

Now at local brand Nuby, James is keen to support and develop the next generation of brilliant talent in the North East.

Jason Yip, Head of Marketing Web, CRM and Analytics, Newcastle University

Jason has over 20 years of Digital marketing experience, working in both the public and private sector for organisations such as One NorthEast, NewcatleGatehead Initiative, both universities in Newcastle upon Tyne; Northumbria University and now Newcastle University as the Head of Marketing Web, CRM and Analytics.

He has led on and been nationally recognised for delivering diverse and creative Digital marketing projects, including the World’s ‘Coolest’ Tourism website as voted by the Sunday Times, Geordieland, an innovative use of a real-time social media map of Newcastle, NU World a virtual experience platform for Northumbria University and was recognised by The Economist as a ‘Change Ambassador’ for driving innovation in Marketing Technology.