This week's London appointments

Katya Samokhvalova, Nexus Planning

Nexus Planning has appointed a new associate planner, Katya Samokhvalova, who joins the planning consultancy’s London office.

Previously at DLP Planning and Carter Jonas, Katya will be helping manage the consultancy’s residential and retail client portfolio across both the private and public sectors.

Katya has more than a decade’s experience within urban planning, including residential, mixed-use, commercial and retail projects.

She commented: “I’m delighted to be joining such a forward-thinking consultancy. The current economic climate is challenging however Nexus has been going from strength to strength – which I’ve been following closely.

I’m looking forward to being part of the team and providing high quality advice for Nexus’s client base in the UK and Ireland and across Masterplanning work, retail studies and residential schemes.“

Rebecca Longbottom, Beattie

Beattie, the integrated communications agency, has appointed Rebecca Longbottom as its chief happiness officer.

Rebecca Longbottom’s remit is to keep everyone in the agency smiling by circulating fun videos, inspiring messages and uplifting emails.

Managing director Rachel Gladwin said: “With almost everyone working from home, it’s important our people continue to feel part of the Beattie family.

“We’re determined to ensure that isolation does not become a problem for anyone, especially those living on their own.

“Rebecca is doing a great job, rousing our spirits and ensuring we don’t get downbeat with the endless stream of disheartening C19 stories dominating the press, broadcast and social media.”

Rebecca commented: “I’ve got the best job in the agency. I’m loving it and so are our people across the UK and Ireland.”

Joseph Drewett, Lewis Moberly

Brand design agency Lewis Moberly has appointed Joseph Drewett, former account director at Bluemarlin, as client director.

Joseph will be charged with overseeing the delivery of work for its roster of clients, growing Lewis Moberly’s strategic offering with a focus on digital services.

The appointment forms part of the agency’s continued plans for business expansion.

Prior to joining Lewis Moberly, Joseph worked in New York for five years, running the US arm of global design agency Bluemarlin where he delivered a number of brand and marketing campaigns for global Fortune 100 companies.

Joseph commented: “I am most excited by the opportunity to work with one of the industry’s standout agencies.

“With Lewis Moberly’s reputation for award-winning design and my experiences and skill set, I look forward to building on these core competencies and in supporting them to achieve their goals.

“Stewarding and impacting a business with such a legacy as Lewis Moberly’s is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am excited to work with their impressive roster of clients to bring innovative solutions to the market.”

Ross Farquhar, Little Moons

European mochi brand Little Moons is expanding its management team with the appointment of Ross Farquhar to the role of marketing director.

Ross is joining the business to accelerate its growth, cement and nurture its position as Europe’s leading mochi brand and ensure it becomes a “significant” player in the premium ice cream category.

Ross is a seasoned FMCG marketeer and joins from wagamama where he was chief marketing officer. He has extensive client side experience at Cadbury and Diageo as well as agency experience at brands including 101 and Grey London.

He commented: “Little Moons is enjoying phenomenal growth, so this is such an exciting time to join the team.

“Everyone that tries mochi ice cream bites falls in love with them, so I’m thrilled to be tasked with letting millions more people in on the secret and embedding the brand into culture.”

Commenting on the appointment, Howard Wong, Founder Little Moons said: “The business is in great shape and we are ambitious for growth and deeper consumer engagement for Little Moons.

“Ross’s credentials are impeccable, and he has the experience to help us elevate the brand, accelerate growth and take the business to the next level.”

Jeremy Fletcher, Watkin Jones

Watkin Jones has announced that Jeremy Fletcher has been appointed as its new CEO.

Jeremy brings with him a wealth of experience from across the service sector.

He joins Watkin Jones from Quintain Living (formerly Tipi), the operational platform which is spearheading the £3 billion regeneration of Wembley Park.

Jeremy will take up his new role at the beginning of January 2021.

Richard Simpson, CEO, said: “Rebecca has been the driving force behind the creation of a recognised leader in the residential for rent property management sector.

“On behalf of the group, I thank her for her enormous contribution and wish her well going forward.

“Stepping into her shoes, we are fortunate to have an established business leader with a track record of success built on the combination of strategic insight, operational experience and consumer-driven innovation.

“Jeremy’s appointment positions us well to drive the next stage in Fresh’s growth by delivering the best possible solution for both its clients and the people who live with us.

“I am looking forward to working closely with him on this and the group’s wider development.”