On Monday this week we profiled 80 of the top marketing professionals working in the North West and over the course of this week we have been profiling the final twenty, five people a day.

Today we profile the top five together with the complete list of the Top 100.

Why have we published the Top 100?

The North West is home to a substantial number of quality marketers working for outstanding companies and organisations.

Such compilations of top marketers are regularly compiled in the national marketing  trade press but in common with most such UK initiatives, the focus always ends up on those individuals based in London  and the South East. Never before has such an undertaking been conducted in the North West.

The judges

To help ensure the initiative delivered maximum credibility, interest and support, five first class and independent individuals agreed to be our judges together with the managing directors of our two co-sponsors – Tangerine PR and digital agency Mando Group.

All such lists are by nature subjective and credibility typically boils down to the quality of the judges. How-Do was fortunate to secure the participation of an outstanding team of judges.

The seven judges were:

Steve Baron

Sandy Lindsay

If you are a marketer listed in the Top 100 - congratulations. If your name does not appear but you feel it should, then perhaps one of your tasks over the next 12 months should be to raise your own profile – in addition to that of your company’s….

How-Do would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this hugely entertaining and instructive initiative come to fruition.

So here it is - the full list of How-Do’s Top 100 Marketers 2008.

Enjoy!                                                   

3. Patrick Allen

4. Kevin Brennan

5. Julian Rayner

One of three brothers running the company. Julian left school in 1975 with one A level and became a van driver at Lakeland before deciding that marketing offered more pay for less work…has now spent the past 25 years or so overseeing and leading the marketing and communications of the hugely successful independently-owned Lakeland brand. Told How-Do he felt privileged to be a marketer in these exciting times. Accredited media spend £2.6m. Company statement c£8m on marcomms in total. Suppliers include
DRAMA

Judges’ comments: Family and value-led business. Investing in great product innovation. Extension and development of the retail offer has been excellent. Store lay-out and product range is second to none.

Appointed MD of Monarch in 2004. Hugely experienced travel industry marketer. Prior to Monarch was headhunted by My Travel to head up its low-cost scheduled subsidiary MyTravelLite in 2002 before he was promoted to head up the group’s entire airline division. Prior to MT, he was at Ryanair where he rose from marketing manager to become commercial director. Previous experience gained in Newcastle in holiday industry before he relocated to the region to head up marketing at Manchester airport. Accredited media expenditure £3.2m

Judges’ comments: Very successful operator (no pun intended...). Was a key player in the growth of  Manchester airport and a key player in Ryanair’s development. At Monarch, brand development is a prime consideration in an increasingly competitive marketplace for carriers flying primarily to sunny destinations.

Aged 35, he became the youngest ever executive director globally for Brother when he joined the board of Brother UK board. Brother has UK sales of circa £100m. Was voted by his industry peers European Young Professional of the Year earlier this year. Originally joined Brother as a fax salesman in the South East before rising through the ranks and eventually relocating north to Brother’s HQ. Took over his current role last autumn.  Suppliers include Clear, Citypress, Code and MediaVest. Accredited media expenditure £817,000

Judges’ comments: Cute on the marketing. His handling of sponsorship deals has been excellent. Active in broader marketing and business community initiatives.

8. Sarah Keedy, group marketing director, Speedy Hire plc

Joined the Newton-le-Willows plc last November from DSGi Business, where she spent three years in charge of marketing at the £400m company, owner of the PC World Business brand. Gained her MBA from MBS. Has also held senior commercial and marketing positions at Caudwell Communications and Marconi plc. Following several acquisitions, Keedy is trying to bring together the various parts of the business under a ‘single unified brand’. Notoriously publicity shy.  Suppliers include Citypress and Hudson Sandler.

Judges’ comments: Is clearly succeeding in the male world of construction and specifically at a company which is not known for suffering fools gladly. She is refining a brand which already seems more accessible than HSS.

Joined the family-owned baker in May last year. Warburtons is the UK’s second biggest grocery brand after Coca-Cola, Was previously marketing director with Whyte & Mackay and prior to that with Allied Domecq. At W&M, he oversaw the global rebranding campaign. At Warburtons he is responsible for the reputation of one of the UK’s most successful and expanding brands.  Suppliers include BBH, Blue Chip marketing, Souters, Love, 999 Design and parker Sandford. Accredited media expenditure £3.8m

Judges’ comments: Responsible for the management of one of the UK’s best-known brands. National Bread Week and other initiatives are understood to have been created by him.

Bank of America Europe is the new trading entity for MBNA following the acquisition of MBNA by BoA. In his role, Steel is accountable for the P&L performance of the business lending division. He joined MBNA in 1998 and has subsequently held a number of senior marketing roles at the company. He has led the advertising function; cards acquisition; personal loans marketing; market research; card portfolio development and management of the MBNA brand. Prior to joining MBNA, he spent 12 years in advertising, latterly as a board director at McCanns.  Suppliers include: Love, AMV/BBDO and Quantum. Accredited media expenditure £40m

Judges’ comments. Maintained a very powerful brand in a highly competitive market. About to rebrand across Europe as Bank of America and Steele will oversee the substantial repositioning challenge.

Board member McCullough joined Bentley in 2006 when he replaced Adrian Hallmark who VW sent off to run the US. McCullough had spent the previous three years as European marketing director at Lexus. He has also held UK marketing positions at Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen. Tasked with taking a revitalised brand and developing it yet further.

Judges’ comments: Two years into his job and look at how the company is developing in so many areas. His international scope and enthusiasm for affinity partnerships are also worth noting.

Hinchcliffe has worked in home shopping marketing and direct marketing for 25 years.  He joined N Brown in 2003. Home shopping sales have subsequently risen from £440m to over £600m.  Prior to N Brown, he was marketing director of both Grattan and Freemans and previously general manger of Kaleidoscope. Holds an MBA from the Bradford Management Centre and told How-Do he once wrote a book about the Labour party.

Judges’ comments: A long history of understanding the consumer. The company and Hinchcliffe were early adopters of the web and outstanding marketing success seems to accompany the company.

Shop Direct Group was formed through the merger of Littlewoods Home Shopping and Shop Direct Group in 2005. Inglis joined the business in 2007 as group buying and merchandising director. He was promoted to his current role in January this year. The role of TD carries responsibility for sales and marketing. He has previously worked at ASDA (eight years) and BMG Records. Holds an MBA from Cranfield. Oversees one of the half dozen largest marketing budgets in the region – believed to be circa £35m.

Judges’ comments: Hugely experienced marketer who clearly enjoys a challenge. The company is enjoying buoyant trading but branding issues still require attention.

14. Jenny Scott, head of partnerships and affinities, HBoS

Scott heads up HBoS’ partnerships and affinities development and marketing from Chester. She is arguably the most senior marketer for the bank outside the twin key power centres of Edinburgh and West Yorkshire. Her role is to develop and promote partnerships with third parties which will generate revenue for the bank’s various finance arms. The substantial marketing base in Chester harks back to the days when North West Securities was headquartered there.

Judges’ comments: Focussed on the corporate sector. Her influence in the bank’s commercial hierarchy is impressive.

Scott joined Bruntwood in 1997 when just two years out of Glasgow University. He oversees the property company’s marketing and brand activity. The controlling family Oglesbys clearly rate him as he was appointed to the board in January 2007. Bruntwood is one of the largest privately owned commercial property companies in the UK with over 90 buildings commanding a value of over £1bn. Expansion now taking place into the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Judges’ comments: Great brand. Great ambassador for Manchester and the region. Pioneering in their enthusiasm to brand themselves and their portfolio.

Started his career with Danone Group in France where he worked for seven years in the mineral water business unit on brands including Volvic and Evian.  He then moved to food company Bongrain to work in its cheese business division before joining SSL France in 2004 as head of marketing. In 2007 he relocated to Manchester and has now been tasked with driving international sales for Scholl.

Judges’ comments: Brought to the UK to work from HQ. SSL bosses clearly would like to see him work his magic with the footcare brand. A senior Euromarketer in our presence.

Judges’ comments: After what seemed to be a poor start in brand development for the company, Dawes is now developing a particularly strong brand.

19. Rachel Scott, marketing controller, Matalan

Scott has seen several changes of senior management and senior marketing folk take place around her. Has come up through the Matalan ranks having started as a buyer. Through it all she has overseen and repositioned one of the region’s most consistently substantial media accounts with strong emphasis on TV. Back in the news with sponsorship of Lorraine Kelly’s morning show on GMTV earlier this year. Accredited media spend - £12.5m Suppliers include Feather Brooksbank.

Judges’ comments: Well placed to exploit the tougher trading climate.  Having learnt the ropes the hard way, she is unusual in having a buyer’s eye for what consumers really want. Has played a key role in the repositioning of the brand and the stores.

UK Car Group is better known under its trading name of Carcraft. The Rochdale-based car dealer has deeper roots in the region than most would realise, tracing its history back to 1951. The car megastores can now be found across the UK with more recent expansion taking place inside the M25. Phipps has previously spent most of her career working in agencies. Media spend £7m. Suppliers include Mediaedge:cia Manchester.

 
How-Do's Top 100 Marketers - 21 to 100  - in no ranking!

 
Sanjay Panchal, head of marketing, Kellogg's Snacks

Although still massively overshadowed in the public eye by cereals, the snack sector has been targeted by Kellogg’s as the big growth area of the company in the next few years.  Was promoted to his current job back in February this year as part of a restructuring of the marketing operation. Panchal leads a team dedicated to new initiatives in marketing and innovation team for snacks as part of a greater company plan to align cereals and snacks more closely. Accredited media spend: £72m.

Chorley-born marketer oversees the marketing of eight radio stations across the region including Radio City, Rock FM and Key 103. The stations generate annual sales of over £25m through their reach of circa 1.35m listeners. Joined what was then Emap radio five years ago having previously spent ten years at ad agencies and ITV in London in both B2B and B2C roles. Leads on local, regional and national campaigns for Bauer including the recent Big City network’s £1m campaign for the Sound of Money promotion. Works with a number of agencies including Starcom, BJL and Ampersand.   

Parkhouse has responsibility for marketing the Co-op’s huge range of financial services: primarily banking and the various CIS insurance and savings products. He joined CFS in 2006 to lead a group of 300 people overseeing the ambitious (£500m Transformation Programme. Prior to moving north to join the Co-op, he worked for Barclays in change management and marketing roles at Barclaycard in the Caribbean. Has maintained his southern roots with his season ticket at Luton Town FC. Accredited media spend – banking and insurance - £5m.

Terry Gilbert, business development director, Amec.

Based in Warrington, Gilbert oversees Amec’s marketing and business development globally.  An increasing amount of what he manages is nuclear-related. Amec has sales in excess of £2bn a year and employs over 20,000 people internationally. An engineer by training, he was recently appointed to the board of the new Nuclear Academy which is due to open this autumn in West Cumbria.

Robotham was previously marketing director of MDHC (Mersey Docks & Harbour Company) prior to its acquisition by Whittaker’s Peel Ports. Unlike others, he kept his job and indeed was awarded extra responsibilities. Peel Ports owns the Port of Liverpool, the Manchester Ship Canal, substantial swathes of Glasgow’s docklands and a growing international consultancy operation. Robotham, based in Liverpool, oversees the whole group’s marketing operations. Accredited media spend - £1.005m.

Joined Alton Towers in autumn 2007 following a brief spell in the public sector working as head of strategic marketing for Manchester city council. Began her career as a graduate trainee with Bass selling beer to working men’s clubs in Essex. Remained in the drinks industry for 14 more years although latter years were spent with Allied-Domecq. In 1999 she moved across to the travel industry when she joined Eurocamp as its sales and marketing director before changing sectors again when she joined the privately-owned health and beauty company Lornamead. Suppliers include DLKW in London and Trinity Communications. Accredited media spend - £5m. 

Joined Transform in the spring having previously undertaken some consultancy work for the cosmetic surgery company. Responsible for marketing, data analysis and customer care. Began her career in property sales before changing direction with a move to Whitbread and a role in sports sponsorship before another step change and a two year spell with Barclays in South Africa. Immediately prior to Transform, she spent 15 years with the marketing agency Euro RSCGKLP, splitting her (boardroom) time between the Manchester and London offices. Accredited media spend £412,000. Suppliers include Brazen PR and Pravda.

Joined £300m+ turnover Pets at Home last September from Experian’s marketing services division. Her brief at PaH is to develop the company’s ‘multi-channel trading’. Started her career with Redcats working for Empire Stores and helped launched the French catalogues La Redoute and Vertbaudet into the UK market. Subsequently moved to N Brown as head of ‘Younger Titles’ including Simply Be and Fashion world. Had a brief spell with Britannia Music before joining Experian. Suppliers include Biss Lancaster and Clear Marketing.  Accredited media spend - £177,000.

Nicola Travis, marketing manager, Cotton Traders.

Joined the mail order and retailer as a sales analyst several years ago. Cotton Traders has grown from £2m sales to over £50m in the past 15 years. Moved across from data to marketing and now oversees a substantial £7m + media spend. Understood to work very closely with Fran Cotton who tends to lead on sports sponsorship initiatives. Agencies include Mere and Caspian List Management.  Accredited media spend £7.2m.

Lynn Grant, senior brand manager, AstraZeneca.

Grant has held several roles at the pharma giant over the years. From national and global PR roles to the current position overseeing the brand management for various breast cancer drugs at AZ’s Alderley Edge base. The drugs brands include FASLODEX, CASODEX and  NOLVADEX.

Rob McCalman, group marketing manager Freedom Finance.

McCalman heads up the marketing for what has been the fast-growing consumer loans and mortgage company Freedom Finance based in Wilmslow. His predecessor Paul Coulter cultivated a higher profile. Now part of the US financial conglomerate JZI International, Freedom has established operations in four other European countries. Suppliers include Parker Sandford, Red C, R.O.EYE and MediaVest. Accredited media spend £794,000

Simon Bristow, managing director, Plumbs.

Has risen through the ranks at the Preston-based and still privately-owned home furnishings company. From sales and marketing director in the late nineties, Bristow was appointed MD a couple of years ago. Although there is a sizeable marketing operation at the company, Bristow still oversees all marketing activities.  Suppliers include MediaVest.Accredited media spend £7.242m.

Caroline Grice

David Hales

The Cheshire-based automotive products supplier has been a mainstay provider for the region’s marcomms communities for many years. The key brands include Simoniz, Holts and Redex. Now owned by US conglomerate Honeywell, Holt’s products can be found around the globe. Joined HLI in July 2003 following a period marketing mytravel.com’s e-commerce operations. Was previously a category manager with Princes Foods in Liverpool. Suppliers include McCanns. 

Began his career at the UK's largest industrial gases company BOC in the company’s UK customer service centre in Worsley, Manchester. Moved into and through the ranks of marketing services at the company via a variety of project management and business development roles. In 2007, he was appointed marketing manager to their refrigerants business.

Marketing at the £200m plus turnover Morson plc tends to focus on sponsorship and events. Regionally Sale Sharks is a beneficiary of the company’s promotional activities. Moogan, who oversees marketing and CRM at Morson, liaises closely with the chief executive, Ged Mason, on some marketing activities. Primarily UK focussed, the company is currently expanding its technical recruitment operations internationally. Suppliers include Buchanan Communications 

Jonathan Mylward, head of marketing and communications, Griffiths & Armour.
Liverpool-based and privately-owned G&A is one of the UK’s leading independent brokers specialising in risk management and insurance products. Mylward joined G & A in March 2007. His national role includes development of the new website (due for launch July 08) and related company literature, PR and marketing strategies. Prior to joining G & A, he was a marketing executive at Johnsons Apparelmaster (part of Johnsons PLC)  where he worked on the design and launch of their new online shop facility www.jamstore.co.uk

Started his new role last autumn overseeing and developing the company’s CRM strategy with a particular eye on delivering solutions to the media company’s advertising clients. Prior to joining the MEN, he was at MUFC latterly as campaign & marketing manager for MU Interactive and was also involved in the redesign of manutd.com. Previously he’d been the club’s data and research manager. His formative years (work-wise!) were spent at JWT Manchester where he was a data planning manager.

Paul Beacall, commercial director, Elegant Resorts.

The formerly privately-owned ‘upmarket’ Chester-based tour operator was sold in April this year to Thomas Cook. Beacall was previously marketing director of the company but his role developed over recent years to encompass holiday and other commercial development and the marketing title was dropped prior to the sale. Suppliers include Equator and Zen Communications. Accredited media spend £404,000

Appointed marketing controller at privately-owned Liverpool drinks company Halewood International in 2005. His portfolio of brands spans Lambrini, Lamb’s Navy Rum, Red Square Vodka, Tsingtao (Chinese lager) and +46 Cider. He joined Halewood in 2001 having previously spent a dozen or so years in the drinks industry working at Bass and Britvic where he managed brands including Carling, Grolsch, Hooch, Reef and Pepsi Max. His marketing budget is believed to be around £5m. Has recently overseen a change in direction for
Halewood’s flagship brand Lambrini with a repositioning away form its legendary ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ strapline to a positioning which takes more account of the growing trend towards ‘responsible drinking’. Suppliers include BJL, McCanns and An Agency called England. Accredited media spend £876,000

Oversees marketing for the recently merged £4bn turnover Co-operative Food Retail business.  She has responsibility for the ‘Customer’ proposition: this sphere of activities includes format and own brand development, merchandising, and marketing communications covering TV, radio, press, door-to-door, DM and in-store. She joined the group as a graduate trainee in 1987 and has held a number of diverse roles in buying and marketing spanning sectors from food manufacturing and milk production and distribution to alcohol. 

South African Bredenhann was appointed marketing manager at quoted Cheshire construction company Pochins in 2000. He was subsequently promoted to business development manager. In addition to his promotion of the company through primarily B2B media, he has been an enthusiastic proponent of the Pochins family becoming more actively involved with charitable causes around the region, some of which the company has previously helped with development and construction activities.

Fund manager Rathbone is a FTSE 250 listed company. Its origins are in Liverpool and it still essentially operates its HQ functions between that city and London. Oxford PPE graduate Morris divides her time between the two cities. Morris began her career in advertising with Leo Burnett before moving into financial PR with Ludgate Communications initially and then GCI Financial. Clients at these agencies included Goldfish (credit card), Standard Life and investment bank Schroder. In 2004 she joined Rathbones as marketing director.

Roberto Papini, director of marketing, Hilti.

Power tools company Hilti runs its European operations from Trafford Park where Papini is based. Unless you are in their specialised sectors of supply, the name Hilti is unlikely to register - however in the trade, Hilti’s name is almost legendary. The results of Papini’s promotional activities can primarily be seen below the line where the company is an active sponsor of trade shows and industry events across Europe. The company was in this year’s Sunday Times 100 Best Companies initiative - a testimony to the family approach
still maintained by the Hilti family.

Mark Critchley, head of group marketing Durex, SSL.

Armed with a degree in marketing from UCLan, Critchley wound up as a brand  manager for London Rubber Company, owner of Durex. Following Seton’s acquisition of LRC, he held on to his job and following several promotions - including European marketing director - now heads up group marketing for the brand. In between he completed his MBA at MBS. Under Critchley, the brand has shifted its marketing strategy to promote the more recreational aspects of condom use. Durex has global sales of circa £180m. Suppliers include McCanns
and Elmwood. Accredited media spend (SSL) -£3.92m

Privately-owned car-care product manufacturer Tetrosyl, based in Bury, generates sales of circa £80m from across over 70 countries. Brands include CarPlan, T-Cut and Carlube. Sharp was previously marketing director but his role has since been widened. Was one of the first to dip into TV sponsorship when the company signed up to be a major sponsor of the Men and Motors TV channel several years ago.

ENCAMS is the organisation behind the environmental campaign charity Keep Britain Tidy. She controls a marketing budget of £1m+  and her immediate team consists of eight staff. The campaign’s marketing channels vary from TV and press to DM, the web, print, events and PR. Unsworth began her career working for the COI in Leeds before joining the communications team at Ashworth High Security Hospital in Merseyside. Suppliers
include MediaVest. 

Dave Crocker, head of marketing, First TransPennine Express.
Crocker oversees marketing for the increasingly ambitious rail company with services across the North and more recently into Scotland. Over the past couple of years, more of Crocker’s plans have been driven by digital activities as Crocker has told How-Do that digital now sits at the heart of the company’s development: “Our objective is for the website to become the central focus of an active, stimulating and creative business generator.” Suppliers include Code, Frank, Feather Brooksbank and Lawrence & Pierce.

Caley received her grounding in telecommunications marketing in Australia before she relocated to the Isle of Man at the start of 2007. Having brought on new marketing services suppliers, cleaned up the company’s CRM system, rebranded the company and reintroduced
 ‘Isle of Man’ into the company’s name (to reinforce the company’s Manx origin), she has just put the company back onto TV in Granada and Ireland for the first time since 2001. Passenger traffic is up by over 20%.  Suppliers include Access and MediaVest. Accredited media spend £173,000

Acquired in January by the US conglomerate Castle Metals, the Blackburn home of Metals UK remains the main European base of the company. Hartshorn oversees the marketing activities of the company reporting to the UK general manager Robert Whitehouse. Suppliers include several primarily Lancashire-based companies. 

Although the HQ is now in Surrey, Morecambe- based Clark looks after marketing across the OCS group whose best-known brand is still probably Cannon Hygiene even though the company’s services now extend well beyond washrooms and into catering, security and document management. Began her career in marketing at Nuffield hospital. Joined Cannon Hygiene in 1995 and was subsequently promoted to her current role.  Suppliers include NetConstruct

Rawlinson joined Enterprise in 2005. Began his career at Massey Ferguson as a graduate marketing trainee. His subsequent roles have encompassed finance, marketing and strategy at Pilkington, Ciba-Geigy and the Rugby Group. A move into consultancy with PWC followed before he changed direction and worked as a stockbroker in London with Collins Stewart and KBC. His role at Enterprise covers communications. marketing, M&A and business development.
 

Board member Lee joined the Blackburn-based moulded protective packaging company over 20 years ago as a salesman. Has risen through the ranks to his current position following an earlier promotion to UK sales director. Styropack has production centres and sales operations across Europe. 

Michelle Hurst

Hurst, a member of the CiM, graduated with a degree in business studies from Bolton University. Prior to joining Fraser Eagle, she held marketing roles at Fatty Arbuckles American Diners and with home improvement retailer Glynn Webb. Privately-owned Burnley-based Fraser Eagle operates travel, logistics and transport services and has carved out a special niche for itself supplying interim cover transport for rail and  travel companies.

By training a graphic designer and began his career jobbing around design agencies in Manchester & Liverpool before he decided on a change and went into the entertainment industry. His career evolved further into merchandising and promotion of bands, clubs and musical events. In 1995 he joined JJB with a brief to create a marketing and design department at the retailer. Subsequently appointed associate marketing director before his current position. Suppliers include Mere, Zendor and Maitland. £4.5m media spend.

Joined LFC last August following a spell out in Malaysia as CEO of a sports branding company. His previous roles have included managing director of Virgin/NTL subsidiary Premium TV and Huddersfield Town AFC where he was chief executive and chairman for three years. He reports to Rick Parry and he is tasked with enhancing revenues, primarily related to sponsorship (stadium naming rights anyone?) and merchandising, an area where it is felt MUFC and others have overtaken the Mersey giants. Accredited media expenditure £137,000

Joined Shearings in January following earlier restructuring which led to the departure of Karen Gee (qv.) this year. He previously held senior roles with Saga, National Express, Thomas Cook and Sunworld: respectively director of the holidays division, commercial director, product director and the same again. Prior to joining Shearings he was providing consultancy services to the leisure industry. Suppliers include Cheetham Bell/JWT, Brazen and MediaVest

Steven Falk, director of commercial services services, MUFC.

Armed with an MBA from Warwick, Falk joined MUFC as director of financial services having previously been head of affinity marketing at MBNA Europe in Chester. His several years at the club have seen his responsibilities widened and he was appointed director of commercial services a couple of years ago. Falk told How-Do that a key task is to continue to build the club’s global CRM capability so it can further develop the Manchester United brand and to ensure that fans “stay connected to the club.” Accredited media expenditure £268,000

Cody has been with the Altrincham-based specialist engineering and recruitment company for eight years. NES operates across the UK and internationally. A Chartered Marketer, he is responsible for the company’s UK bids and tenders and all advertising activities, branding and strategic marketing. He has also overseen the redevelopment of the company’s website which it is claimed was a key factor in NES being voted Best International Recruitment Firm in 2006. Marketing suppliers include local printers and design shops. 

Nick Bowyer, marketing director, Swinton Insurance.

Was previously marketing manager with insurance broker Colonnade which was acquired by Swinton in 2002. Now oversees marketing for the entire group, encompassing 500 plus high street stores, digital and telephone activities. An enthusiastic digital marketer, he has invested substantially in the company’s website and was rewarded in 2007 when the site was voted the best insurance website. Media spend in excess of £3m.  Suppliers include SKV and Red C

Michael Harper, brand manager, PZ Cussons.

Harper oversees two key brands for the Stockport household goods company: Carex and Original Source. Harper is well-known around the region’s creative and media scene and his recent competitive tender to overhaul the company’s digital presence was widely-prized with the goods finally awarded to Code. He told How-Do that he was keen to fully exploit digital as a communications channel.  Suppliers include Code, TBWA and mediaedge:cia. Media expenditure of £6.5m across the group.

Former head of marketing at leading regional law firms Hill Dickinson and Addleshaws where she respectively oversaw major sponsorship deals with Liverpool 08 and the Commonwealth Games. Began her career as a graduate trainee with IBM in Canada in the campaigns department before joining accountants Ernst & Young where she rose to become national marketing manager across Canada. Launched her own marketing consultancy in 2008. One of just 250 women inducted as Fellows of the CIM.

Dickinson has been in charge of marketing GMG Radio’s stations since the launch of its first station, Real Radio Wales.  Several years later there are now 13 stations. In the North West her brands include Smooth, Century and newly launched Rock Radio. Began her career in advertising as an account handler with agencies including JWT. While at another agency, Cranshaw Middleton, she was working on the launch of Real Radio in Wales and subsequently jumped ship. Suppliers include MediaCom and Clear.  Accredited media expenditure £3.55m.

Chartered marketer is also currently studying for an MBA with the OU. Her first job with Nottingham city council offering marketing advice to SMEs before she moved back to her native North West to take up a job with INWARD. Spent seven years there including two in the organisation’s Chicago office. Joined Merseytravel in 1994 as marketing manager for the Mersey Ferries division and in 1999 was promoted to marketing manager across the body running a business development and marketing department of just shy of 100 people.

Melanie Cheung-Turner, marketing director, Johnsons the Cleaners.

Mel, as she is better known, has a reputation as a first-class marketer around the region’s agencies. Previously with Littlewoods, she moved across to Bootle-based Johnson’s to head up its marketing operation. Currently taking some time out with her family.  Suppliers include Freshfield PR (Preston), Luminous design (Warrington), AMS (media, London) and Qire digital (Liverpool).

Richard Bird, brand manager, Focus DIY

Bird joined Crewe-based Focus in July 2007 as part of the new management team installed by the new owners following the sale of the business to Cerberus. Began his career with Wickes plc as a graduate trainee in 1972 and progressed through various roles including UK retail development director and managing director of Wickes Holland. Appointed commercial director Wickes in 1996 with responsibility for marketing, retail development and development of the Wickes brand. He became MD in 2000 when Wickes delisted. He has also
worked in Belgium, France and South Africa. Suppliers include Communique. Accredited media expenditure £16.4m

Booth has worked in the travel industry since 1980 on both consumer and business sectors. Her experience ranges from a luxury cruise company based in London to selling Time Share overseas. In between she took six years out teaching tourism and leisure in higher education. She rejoined the sector with a job in marketing at the Chester-based SiS and was promoted to her current position in November 2006. Suppliers include Strattons (digital).
Accredited media expenditure £497,000

Wilson is responsible for BASF's external communications in the UK and Ireland. This includes the management of a long-running ad campaign on TV, in the national press (who hasn’t seen the ad in the Economist?) and on the web. The intention to maintain and raise awareness of the world's leading chemical company on our doorstep.  Wilson, who is based at Cheadle in Cheshire, is also understood to be BASF's European brand champion. During a 42 year career in the communications industry, he has spent the past 30 plus overseeing advertising and PR for BASF. Total marketing budget £5m+ . Accredited media expenditure £3m.

North Walian Redrow’s group marketing director has made something of a name for himself as an innovator in a sector which hasn’t traditionally been innovative. Homes for under £60k, viral games for first time buyers – the list goes on. It must be disappointing for the company then that he has recently announced he is leaving to head up Scottish housebuilder Stewart Milne’s new Northern operation based in Manchester. Suppliers include TBWA Manchester and Madhouse . Accredited media expenditure £507,000

Neil Brownbill, marketing director, Princes Foods.

Brownbill last year put Princes back on TV after an absence of 10 years. The Liverpool-based food company (owned by Mitsubishi). His large portfolio of brands also includes Napolina, Crisp ’n Dry, Shippam’s spreads, Jucee squash and Aqua-Pura mineral water.
Suppliers include mediaedge:cia, Big Communications, Parker Sandford and Citypress.
Accredited media expenditure £2.1m

A rare animal in the legal world – a non lawyer with fixed share equity status. Pannone however has a culture of open staff communication and the firm is a regular mainstay in the Sunday Times Best Companies to work for ranking. Joined Pannone in 2000 following six years with Vaudreys, latterly as head of commercial marketing following a merger with Beachcroft and before that eight years with Eversheds in Leeds. Prior to opting for a marketing career in law, she held senior marketing roles at Courtaulds and the Prudential. She is vice deputy chairman of promanchester. 

Sarah Litrizza, head of marketing, Multipart.

Now owned by the South African conglomerate Imperial Holdings, Chorley-based Multipart has moved well beyond supplying ‘millions of parts for thousands of cars’ (in its BL days) and has become an international, logistics solution provider with many non automotive clients – including the British Armed Forces around the globe. Litrizza keeps a low profile but her substantial department oversees international marketing strategies and commands a sizeable budget. Accredited media expenditure £3.05m

Williams joined the UK’s largest designer retail outlet following stints in promotions and event management and also as a presenter on a number of local radio stations. Regional spend understood to be around £1m regionally and £7m nationally. Took over marketing following the departure of Donna Howitt to Liverpool One last autumn. Suppliers include Citypress, Code, Clear Marketing and Carat

Has worked in the sports and entertainment industry for over 15 years.  In 1994 she was appointed MD of Blackpool Town - one of only two female MDs in football. the sport.  Off- field marketing and commercial activities were her remit. In 1999 she moved across to Blackpool Pleasure Beach as business development manager and four years later PR was added to her portfolio. In 2006 she was promoted to her current role. Infusion, Bling and Forbidden have al been launched by Gill and her team. A revitalised ‘Beach’ has won
many awards including “Best North West Brand for Leisure and Tourism” at the 2007 North West Top 100 Brands awards.    Suppliers include Cheetham Bell/JWT, Mediaedge:cia and Borkowski PR. Accredited media expenditure £794,000

Oversees marketing at the privately-owned Cheadle, Cheshire-based tour operator established by Ian Pollitt in 1980. Carrier promotes itself as a luxury designer brand and advertises regularly in Conde Nast Traveller, Harpers Bazaar, House and Garden, The Sunday Times et al. With over 20 years experience in the travel and tourism sector,  including several years with the International Leisure Group, Ross joined Carrier in 2000. Immediately prior to Carrier, she was marketing services manager for Marketing Manchester. Suppliers include Code, mediaedge:cia and Sadler & Co. Accredited media expenditure £750,000

Paul Sullivan, managing director, Turtlewax.

Sullivan joined Skelmersdale-based Turtle Wax as marketing director and was promoted to MD last year. He joined the company from Crown Wallcoverings. Suppliers include Access Advertising and mediaedge:cia. Accredited media expenditure £135,000

Carl Morris, head of sales and marketing, Inventive Leisure.

Morris has been with Inventive Leisure, operators of the Revolution vodka bars for several years. The chain has grown rapidly and now has over 50 bars across the UK.
Suppliers include Goldminds, Lucre Communications and Rippleffect

Halliwells, with fee income approaching £100m, is the North West’s largest law firm with its HQ in the region. Offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and London. Heayns joined the firm three years ago and is one of the few marketers in a professional services firm who isn’t steeped in the professions. Her previous roles have included running a recruitment agency and marrying up academics and business folk at Liverpool University. In-house PR, advertising and design.

Needham has been with BWFC for several years. His remit is broader than most marketers. In addition to football-based marketing campaigns, he also helped introduce a new database system to enable better CRM of the supporter base. Was responsible for trying to take the club’s clothing wear beyond function when three years ago he set up a new fashion catalogue –although he did use fans rather than models for the catwalk launch show.  The club’s ongoing multi-racial community campaign has achieved regional and national recognition. He manages a department of 12.

McKee oversees a portfolio of brands at the US-owned company which maintains its UK HQ in Leyland, Lancs. Schwan’s claims that almost five million UK households are buyers of a Chicago Town pizza over the course of a year. Recently departed company from TBWA when the agency declined to repitch. Suppliers include CheethamBell JWT Manchester and Brazen PR.

McGuire oversees commercial and communications operations at the PFA from his Manchester base. A former footballer with Coventry Norwich and Oldham, his career was hindered by a serious Achilles injury which kept him out of the game for a couple of years.

Kay has spent over 20 years in the pharma industry in roles primarily related to sales and marketing. Working with the company’s R&D operations, his remit is to develop Renovo’s marketing and sales capability for global launches. Has previously worked as head of global marketing and sales for Novartis and as head of business management and country management with AstraZeneca. Accredited media expenditure £57,000

A recent appointment to the company which underwent an MBO last autumn. With over £30m sales and 100 plus staff, Latitude is one of Europe’s fastest-growing search companies. The company’s HQ remains in Warrington where McCarthy is based. He has spent the past seven years specialising in online marketing, creating work for companies including Direct Line, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Arcadia, AirMiles, and Tesco. Can also be regularly found on the speaking circuit discussing all things digital and search.

Joined the family-owned Bolton property developer Charles Topham Group earlier this year. Has been in the construction sector for most of his working career. He has held previous marketing positions with both Barratt and Redrow. Prior to joining CTG, he was managing director of David McLean homes and Crosby Homes (Lancashire).  Suppliers include RedMoran.

Began her career selling ‘It’s a Knockout’ type events to the corporate market before launching an overseas adventure challenge company on behalf of charities. Moved sideways to become a fundraising manager for
disabled charity Children Today and followed this role with spells at Weston Spirit and then as development director for Community Foundation for Merseyside.  Joined the ACC last year. Suppliers include Balance, Mando and SMRS.

Richard Cooper, brand marketing manager, Aimia Foods.

Heads up marketing at what was formerly Nichols Foods prior to an MBO four years ago. The company employs over 300 staff and has sales in excess of £50m derived from its food and drink operations. Licensed brands are manufactured and marketed to the trade and to consumers. Drink brands include Slazenger, Galaxy and Maltesers. It is rumoured that Milky Way is on the way…

Signed for the Blues in January 2001. Hospitality, conferences and events are also in his division. Previous experience was gained working for Compass Group, De Vere and Thistle Hotels. Non match day revenue has increased from £4m to £15m under his management. 

Gee left Wigan-based Shearings Leisure in January following a board restructuring.  Armed with a degree in International Marketing, Gee has specialised in the travel and leisure industry, working for companies such as Airtours, First Choice, Flying Colours, Rail Europe, Universal Studios Florida, eDreams.com and Sky Travel. She is presently undertaking consultancy contracts jobs as she considers what will no doubt be a multitude of options. 
 

John Lennon airport and Robin Hood airport are his responsibility. With a degree from UCLan and a postgrad diploma from the CiM, Pakey has worked at Prestwick and Manchester airports, had a two year spell as director of marketing for Air Seychelles (based over there) and a three year spell with the European Commission in Brussels. In 2002 he replaced Rod Hill as MD of JLA. Growth at JLA has been impressive and he swears there is much more to come.

Joined the Grosvenor-owned company last November having previously headed up UK marketing for McArthur Glen, where she controlled the promotion of the firm’s seven shopping centres (including Cheshire Oaks). Her earlier jobs include marketing roles at the Royal & Sun Alliance, the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. The first phase of Liverpool One has just opened to critical acclaim. Suppliers include Staniforth, MediaVest, Finch and JWT.

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