Sally Sykes was installed as the new Master Communicator last night.
The ceremony at Glaziers Hall was followed by a reception overlooking the Thames at London Bridge.
Sally, Director of Communications and Engagement at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted to be the incoming Master of the Company of Communicators. We have made really encouraging progress in achieving the milestones to become the next Worshipful Company in the City of London. I am really confident that we have the right team and momentum to reach this goal.” New wardens and a court assistant (Aceil Haddad) were sworn in. The new Court now comprises Mark Glover as Deputy Master, Jason Groves Senior Warden, Justine McGuinness Middle Warden, Jon McLeod Junior Warden & Matt West Renter Warden.
Four new freemen joined the Company earlier that evening:
Anthony Murtagh, Head of External Communications, UK & International, at RSA Insurance.
Anthony leads a team with responsibility for public relations and public affairs at one of Britain’s oldest insurers. Prior to joining RSA Insurance in 2022, he held various senior comms positions at AXA XL and Marsh, after transitioning from financial journalism back in 2013.
Mark Walker, Chief Executive at Cogitamus Limited Mark is the founder, owner and Chief Executive of Cogitamus Limited which has been providing communications services since 2007 and currently has a team of 30 people. The company currently promotes leadership education to SMEs on behalf of the Department for Business & Trade and the Chartered Association of Business Schools; campaigns for rail investment in North Wales and Cheshire on behalf of an alliance of local authorities and business organisations; and promotes a new southern rail link to Heathrow Airport on behalf of a start-up. Since the end of 2022, Mark has been the producer and co-presenter of ‘Calling All Stations – the transport podcast with Christian Wolmar’. He has been a Trustee for 20 years of the Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust including serving as Chair between 2007 and 2014.
James Mellor, cartoonist James is one of Britain’s leading cartoonists. His political, cultural and topical work has appeared in Private Eye, Charlie Hebdo, The Sunday Telegraph and elsewhere. He is a member of the Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation and sits on the board of the British Cartoonists’ Association. Since 2012, his business, James Mellor Creative, has used cartoon artwork in the corporate world to assist clients with their messaging in print, online and on social media, with numerous clients from the City of London and beyond.
Sarah Booker, Global PR Director – Risk and Broking at WTW Sarah has over 20 years’ experience as a key business adviser on all aspects of corporate communications including stakeholder engagement and reputation management to support strategic business objectives. She has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years and is Global Head of Communications for a leading commercial insurance broker, WTW. Sarah believes strongly in the traditions of the City of London but also in its evolution in terms of making it more accessible to those who may feel disadvantaged or disengaged. We wish them all a warm welcome to the Company!