People: Consultancy adds planner; Comms firm welcomes back familiar face

With more than 18 years’ experience working in local government, chartered town planner Kevin Exley has joined Leicester-based Marrons Planning.

Taking on the role of principal planner, Exley joins the consultancy after 16 years as a planning policy officer at South Derbyshire District Council and two years as a planning officer at North West Leicestershire District Council.

He said: “I have worked in local government for many years, working with developers to bring forward housing and other developments. However, by the time local authorities see many emerging projects, much of the ‘planning’ has been done.

“Working for Marrons Planning will provide an opportunity for me to use the skills and knowledge I have learned in local government to get involved with potential development sites at an early stage, supporting developers to bring forward much-needed sustainable schemes.”

Simon Kinnear

Derby-based PR and communications firm Nielsen McAllister has appointed of a new account director – and he’s a familiar face to the agency.

Simon Kinnear started his PR career at Nielsen McAllister, working as account executive, and then account manager, between 2002 and 2011. Leaving to gain more experience in full-service marketing, he has since worked at two of the Midlands’ biggest marketing agencies: McConnells in Derby, and Wyatt International in Birmingham.

“It’s great to be back,” said Simon. “Nielsen McAllister is bigger and better than it was a decade ago – and hopefully, so am I. I can’t wait to reconnect with old customers, meet new ones and build upon the great work that Bob, Simon and the team are already doing.”

Bob Bushby, managing director, added: “I first employed Simon nearly 20 years ago, and I’m proud of what he has achieved, both within and outside of Nielsen McAllister. His expert knowledge of B2B communications has grown deeper over the past decade and I’m delighted to welcome him back.”