Former city council chief takes up role at comms agency

Martin Yardley, former deputy chief executive at Coventry City Council and chief executive of Coventry & Warwickshire LEP, has joined communications agency PLMR Birmingham as a senior advisor.

Yardley will provide expertise to PLMR’s clients within the property, planning, energy, and local government sectors.

Formerly known as Snapdragon at PLMR, the rebranded PLMR Birmingham has had a string of recent client wins including the West Midlands Combined Authority, Lidl, Spitfire Bespoke Homes and FCC Environment.

Alongside Yardley, the agency has also welcomed Anokhi Popat as head of PR. Popat joins from PLMR London and will help grow the Birmingham office.

Will Savage, head of PLMR Birmingham, said: “The growth of PLMR Birmingham over the last 12 months has been exceptional, and as a sign of our confidence we are delighted to welcome Martin to the team to help take us to the next level. Martin’s experience across regional economic development, regeneration, energy, and the automotive sector will offer real value and help us deliver positive change in our region.

“As we also support our clients navigate the Government’s levelling-up agenda, Martin’s knowledge and understanding of regional development will be hugely beneficial – especially for our national and international client base as we look forward to recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.”

Yardley added: “The team at PLMR Birmingham, and formerly as Snapdragon at PLMR, have built a strong reputation within the region and I’m looking forward to working closely with them to help grow and develop the business.

“Having seen PLMR Birmingham in action I know that good communications underpin change. Working together we can help deliver change for the West Midlands, supporting the growth of the economy during the challenging period ahead.”