Reputation Institute hires UK MD and commercial director
Research and advisory reputation firm, Reputation Institute, has hired former Liberty Global corporate communications VP Marcus Smith to head up its UK operation as MD, and has appointed Leo Burnett’s James Bickford commercial director.
Marcus Smith
Smith has more than 25 years of experience working in corporate communications. In his most recent role, he led external communications at telecommunications and television company Virgin Media‘s parent company Liberty Global.
He has also spent more than 15 years at Weber Shandwick, and his experience encompasses corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, CSR, brand communications and regulatory work.
Bickford spent 20 years as a C-suite business and brand consultant. Prior to working as a managing partner at Leo Burnett Asia Pacific, he launched Interbrand in New Zealand.
Jamie Bedard, president and CEO at Reputation Institute, said: “These two senior hires underline our commitment to the UK market, and the growing recognition by UK companies that reputation is a boardroom issue that has bottom line impact.
“Marcus and James’ considerable reputation management experience – and Marcus’ specific experience as a Reputation Institute client – will be invaluable in helping us achieve our UK growth ambitions”.
