New account director at Willoughby

WILLOUGHBY PR in Birmingham has appointed Sally Earl as its new account director. She joins the Edgbaston-based firm from city PR and marketing agency Core where she was head of PR. Miss Earl, who has over 10 years of experience in the PR industry, will focus on Willougby’s new and existing property, regeneration and business clients. Managing director Jane Ainsworth said: “This is a big appointment for us and we are delighted Sally is on board. Her wealth of knowledge in some of the key areas we specialise in is an asset and will enable us to realise the goals we have to grow further.” The appointment comes on the back of recent clients wins across various sectors including flooring specialist Karndean, car accessory firm Autosessive, boiler company Buderus and underwear and clothing retailer Bravissimo.

Newspaper editor moves on after four years

WORCESTER News editor Kevin Ward is leaving the daily title to take up a senior management role within its parent company. Mr Ward, who has been at the helm of the paper for four years, is to become publisher for the East Wales and Gloucestershire division of Newsquest. During his time there, the title and its journalists have won several awards including being crowned the 2010 newspaper of the year at the Midlands Media Awards. Peter John is the new editor of the News, moving over from his role as publisher of Newsquest’s Stourbridge division, with Trevor Sallis taking over his post in addition to his current duties as Worcester publisher.

Duo connect with Black Country agency

WOLVERHAMPTON marketing agency Connect Group has appointed two new creative directors. Stuart Perry joins the firm, after 11 years at McCann Erickson where he worked on accounts including Harley Davidson, and will also be head of design. Dennis Willison comes to the Black Country after 15 years with advertising industry giant Saatchi and Saatchi in London. Mr Willison has worked on campaigns for brands such as Benson and Hedges, Hamlet, Courage Best and the NSPCC. In addition to the new recruits, Connect has also retained senior art directors Julian Bird and Richard Parsons who have both previously worked with Connect as freelancers. Executive creative director James Sinclair said: “It’s a great testament to what we’re trying to achieve at Connect that creatives of the calibre of Stuart and Dennis are now joining us.”