Movers: Bechard, Leach, Haynes, Murray…

October 14 2013, 1:33 pm | BY Martin Trevaskis | No Comments

JenniferBechard_BLOG.jpgRuthLeach_BLOG.jpgGordonHaynes_Longtail_BLOG.jpgShannonMurray_BLOG.jpgLongtail has expanded its team as part of its ongoing growth.

“We have made a number of strategic hires to reinforce the depth and experience of the team to ensure we are best placed to cater for the needs of our clients now, and in the future” said general manager Sharon Heaton.

Jennifer Bechard (far left) joins as Head of Project Planning. Recently returned from an 18 month stint at DARE in London, Jen was previously at MAKE, a division of M&C Saatchi and TEQUILA.

“Jen’s hire reflects the growing scale and importance of the projectsthat we are undertaking for clients and a strategic focus on project delivery”said Heaton.

Ruth Leach (centre left) joins as Business Director and Social Media Strategist.Ruth was named in the UK Top 30-under-30 women in digital and was previouslythe Social Media Manager of Debenhams and Carphone Warehouse.

“We are delighted to have someone of Ruth’s calibre on the team. She is a great asset to the team and brings a high level of experience and leadership to the team” said Heaton.

Gordon Haynes (centre right) has also joined the team as Senior Creative. Gordon was previously creative director at Equilibrium and worked inter-state with McCanns & Sapient Nitro.

“Gordo obviously brings a tonne of creative experience and leadership to Longtail, and has quickly become an invaluable member of our team,” said creative director Josh Edge. “We’re excited to have him around, despite his occasional mood swings.”

Rare has appointed Shannon Murray (far right) as its new head of digital. Canadian born and holding a Masters degree in business, Murray has had an enviable career in digital, working across avariety of industries from hospitality to entertainment – including the movie industry, where she played a key role in marketing blockbuster movies such as The Dark Knight Rises for Warner Brothers. Callum Mackenzie, Rare MD said having Murray on-board was a huge advantage.

“Our focus was to include digital thinking through our business from the very start. Bringing Shannon on board has added years of experience and cutting edge knowledge direct form the USA to give us the jump in our future campaigns,” he said.