CBSO publicist in tune with judges as she is crowned BYPY16 winner
A MARKETING professional who has helped to raise the profile of one of the city’s best known cultural institutions has been crowned the winner of this year’s Birmingham Young Professional of the Year.
Abby Corfan received her award in a ceremony at the ICC attended by more than 800 of Greater Birmingham’s professionals.
The awards, now in their 16th year, recognise and reward top talent in the business and professional services sector.
Ms Corfan is director of marketing and digital at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. With over a decade of experience promoting the city’s cultural offering, she picked up the Marketing & Communications award before being crowned overall BYPY16 winner.
Ahmed Farooq, chair of BPS Birmingham and a member of the BYPY16 judging panel, said: “Abby demonstrated to the panel what it takes to be a director. She is knowledgable about her product and passionate about reaching and attracting audiences; skills which are clearly core to being a successful marketer.
“She understands the power of establishing a collective voice – something critical to the cultural and professional sectors, but also to the future of Greater Birmingham at large.
“Soon after becoming director of marketing and digital at the CBSO, Abby scored a major hit with a front page splash in a national newspaper announcing the orchestra’s eagerly anticipated new Music Director.”
Rebecca Simkiss, chair of BPS Birmingham Future, added: “This has, by far, been one of the most competitive years – we have seen such fantastic talent and our decision on judging day was extremely difficult. A huge well done to Abby.”
She added: “BYPY is our flagship event, part of a programme of activities which aim to develop talent and ensure young professionals can help shape the future of our sector and Greater Birmingham. Initiatives like the Future Mentoring Academy which launched last October; our new Professional Services Week taking place next month as well as a brand new Leadership Development Programme connect senior leaders, young professionals and students to provide real opportunities for personal and professional development.”
Ms Corfan joined five other young professionals in receiving awards, which were hosted by television sports presenter Jake Humphrey.
The others were:
• Finance: Ben Collins, Assistant Director, EY
• Legal: Russ Hill, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
• HR, Recruitment & Training: Ruqia Sharif, Human Resources, HS2 Limited
• Property & Construction: Mike Lally, Associate Director, Buro Four
• Technology: Mike Brooman, CEO, Vanti
In addition, Mary Agbesanwa from the University of Birmingham picked up the 2016 ‘Aspiring Talent’ Award, which acknowledges the rising stars of the business and professional services sector.
Mike Ward (left), chief executive of law firm Gateley, was also recognised as the 2016 ‘Inspiring Leader’, for his dedication to the region’s BPS sector.
As part of her prize, Ms Corfan secured a place on the Common Purpose Navigator course, designed for emerging leaders.
