Smart move shows purpose for Jon
One of the region’s most well know communications professionals is set to leave the East Midlands Chamber after six years.
Communications and new media manager Jon Smart has left after six-and-a-half years in charge of media liaison and the Chamber’s social networks.
Smart was also editor of the Chamber’s members’ magazine Business Network.
He has moved to Purpose Media, of South Normanton, the full-service digital marketing agency, to establish a multi-platform PR service for its clients.
Andy Hibberd, previously communications and new Media officer and deputy editor of Business Network has been promoted to media and communications manager.
Hibberd, 38-years a journalist and PR professional, has been with the Chamber for three-and-a-half years.
Formerly digital communications manager, Nathan Fearn becomes publications and content manager and editor of Business Network.
Fearn has been with the Chamber nearly three years and previously worked in high-profile sporting roles including editing match-day programmes for Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Burton Albion Football Club.
Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s chief executive, said: “Jon’s will be big shoes to fill but I’m confident Andy is the right person to fill them, and Nathan is the right person to take over our hugely successful magazine.
“We wish Jon every success at Purpose Media. Matt Wheatcroft, founder and managing director at Purpose Media, has been a long-term friend of the Chamber and knows exactly what Jon can deliver in his new role. They will be a formidable team.”
Smart said: “I am sad to be leaving the Chamber, but excited about the prospects of my new role. It will be very different, but I’ll have the opportunity to build the job from the ground up.
“I wish Andy and Nathan all the best in their new roles and know they will do a fantastic job.”
Hibberd said: “Jon will be a big loss to the Chamber and a hard act to follow. I wish him all the best and hope the changes here at the Chamber will appear seamless to the outside world, particularly among all our media friends.”
Fearn said: “It has been a pleasure working with Jon and I wish him the very best going forward. Editing arguably the most successful business magazine in the region is a challenge I am really looking forward to.”
Wheatcroft said: “Jon is very well known regionally and is highly regarded for his professionalism. Being able to lure him away from the Chamber has been something of a coup for us but we’re delighted he’s joining us and will work with us from the ground up to create this new service for our clients.”
