PR FIRM APPOINTS DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

Leading Scottish independent PR and public affairs consultancy, Pagoda, has appointed Holly Russell (pictured above) to Deputy Managing Director. 

The move comes as the business gears up having secured major new client wins and increased focus on its future development.  Holly has been instrumental in securing business growth for Pagoda and has particular strength in B2B, construction and food and drink sectors. 

Holly Russell joined Pagoda in 2015 as part of the acquisition of CM Porter Novelli, where she had been working since 2012. Prior to joining CM Porter Novelli, Holly managed the communications in-house at leading timber business, The Donaldson Group, after starting her career at a B2B PR agency. 

Her background in the construction and trade sector has been significant in driving the B2B side of Pagoda’s business and she brings strong management skills to her new role.

Holly said: “I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role at such an exciting time for Pagoda. We’re one of Scotland’s longest standing independent PR and PA consultancies, and we have ambitious plans to move our business into a new phase. 

What makes Pagoda special is our brilliant team and culture, and this is something I’m keen to nurture and develop, while ensuring that our clients continue to receive the best service and results. This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m looking forward to playing a pivotal role in the future of the business.”

Commenting on the appointment, Angela Casey, Managing Director of Pagoda said: “We are immensely proud of Holly’s achievement and of the years of dedication she has brought to the business. 

This appointment comes on the back of some significant wins for Pagoda, particularly in supporting the energy transition, in digital marketing and in some of Scotland’s most successful industries, so we are well placed for future growth.”

Pagoda’s board reflects the strengths of the business with a team that collectively has many years’ consultancy experience:  Colin McFarlane heads the public affairs team and is Secretary of the Association for Scottish Public Affairs (ASPA); Giselle Dye is a founding member of Pagoda; and Angela Casey is Managing Director.

In 2022 the business won four CIPR PRide Awards: Scottish Campaign of the Year for Maths Week Scotland; Best Event for Frame Technologies; Best Use of Media Relations for Maths Week Scotland; and Best Use of Digital and Social Media for NHS Lanarkshire (Silver); and was recognised as the Best Medium Consultancy in Scotland in the PRCA Dare Awards.

Pagoda recently launched its new Podcast series: Pagoda Perspective. It is available to listen to on: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pagoda-perspective/id1678267450