National communications agency appoints new head of digital among five senior promotions

National communications agency, Freshwater, has promoted a new head of digital.

Caitlin Thomas, 31, will lead the firm’s digital division, providing expertise in search engine optimisation (SEO), pay per click (PPC) advertising, website design and development and digital content marketing.

Ms Thomas, a Cardiff University graduate, joined Freshwater in April 2021 as an online content and outreach manager, following roles at Monmouthshire Building Society and Alcumus.

Commenting on her promotion, she said: “Since joining Freshwater less than three years ago, I’ve had fantastic opportunities working with clients across a range of sectors, from legal and professional services to healthcare and public sector.

“The industry moves at pace and I look forward to continuing to develop our digital offering at Freshwater, working with talented colleagues in the digital team and across the agency to implement innovative digital strategies for clients which enhance their online presence and deliver results that matter.”

The promotions follow a series of major client wins for the integrated agency, including a digital services retainer for accountancy firm Menzies LLP and a project with law firm Rylands Garth to deliver social media advertising to promote legal support for sports players with concussion-related conditions.

Sarah Whittle, HR and operations director at Freshwater, said: “Caitlin’s promotion is testament to her fantastic efforts in growing Freshwater’s digital division, and as a collective, our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of growth within the agency.

“It’s particularly rewarding to see individuals, who began their journey with us at junior level, taking on such significant roles. This not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our training and development programmes but also reflects the trust we place in our team members to contribute meaningfully to our success.

“As we congratulate our recently promoted team members, we continue to uphold our commitment to creating an environment where every individual can thrive and learn.”

Freshwater has also promoted Hannah Thompson and Steve Lambert, 33 and 30, to senior account directors. Ms Thompson joined Freshwater in 2019 as a marketing campaigns manager, while Mr Lambert joined in November 2015 as an account executive. They’ll both lead campaigns in the firm’s marketing communications division, working with clients including Specsavers, Shaw healthcare, Lexington Corporate Finance, NASUWT, the Teachers’ Union, and Welsh Government.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Homa, 33, has been promoted to head of events and Chris Knights, 33, has been promoted to director.

Founded more than 25 years ago, Freshwater provides a full range of communications services from strategic consultancy, public relations, events, marketing, digital, design and content to engagement and consultations, media training and crisis communications. It also has a conference business, trading as Waterfront Conference Company, which organises specialist events aimed at the planning, energy, rail, ports and maritime sectors.

Source: Freshwater

  Agency, Appointment, Caitlin Thomas, Charlotte Homa, Chris Knights, Freshwater, Hannah Thompson, Head of Digital, Steve Lambert