The latest Bondholder appointments and promotions

Purpose Media, Handelsbanken and Shakespeare Martineau are among the latest Marketing Derby Bondholders to announce new appointments in recent weeks.

Strategic marketing agency Purpose Media has strengthened its growing team with the appointment of experienced journalist and academic Caroline Jones as content strategist.

Caroline brings nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism and media to Purpose, where she will play a key role helping clients better engage with their audiences.

She previously held senior positions at the Derby Telegraph and Liverpool Echo news organisations, helping lead digital-first content strategies and oversee large editorial teams.

Caroline has also built a strong academic profile, most recently serving as a senior lecturer and programme leader in journalism and media at the University of Derby.

Tim Lenton, director of digital innovation and strategy at Purpose Media, said: “Caroline’s appointment is a really important step for us as we continue to evolve our offering and strengthen the strategic support we provide to clients.

“She brings a rare combination of industry experience, academic rigour and deep understanding of how audiences consume and interact with content.

“That insight is invaluable when it comes to developing strategies that are not only creative but also effective and measurable.

“As the marketing landscape continues to change, having someone with Caroline’s expertise in storytelling, research and content strategy as part of the team will play a key role in helping our clients to grow.”

Handelsbanken has appointed an experienced banker to its team as it looks to grow its private banking offer.

Gary McLoughlin brings more than 35 years’ experience across private banking, corporate banking and wealth management.

He has previously held senior roles at NatWest, Bank of Ireland and Santander.

Nick Pulley, from Handelsbanken, said: “I’m delighted that Gary has joined the team which is passionate about helping customers and building lasting relationships.

“Gary is very well known and respected in the local market and I’m really looking forward to helping more customers and businesses.”

Finally, law firm Shakespeare Martineau has announced almost 20 promotions across a variety of teams and locations, including 12 in the Midlands.

Promoted to partner are real estate finance experts Afreen Cole and Hannah Pickering and debt and asset recovery specialist Katrina Gibson.

Employment solicitor Lubna Laheria has been promoted to legal director.

New senior associates are residential conveyancer Raza Ali, real estate finance specialist Ian Cole, real estate disputes lawyer Selica Khan, legal planning expert Josh Morley and family lawyer Deanna Phillips-Mills.

Promoted to associate level are commercial real estate specialist Sukhpal Bhamrah, tax expert Stefanos Giailidis and Ryan McNally in the debt and asset recovery team.

Managing director Victoria Tester said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do and their development remains one of our most important priorities as a firm.

“These promotions reflect the breadth of talent across Shakespeare Martineau and the continued investment we make in supporting colleagues at every stage of their careers.

“It is always a pleasure to see individuals progress in this way, taking on new responsibilities and continuing to grow their impact across the business.”