21 Degrees Digital appoints head of PR

Leeds-based marketing agency 21 Degrees Digital has appointed Jon Corbett as head of PR as it continues its growth strategy.

Jon brings almost 20 years’ experience across journalism, public relations, live events and digital communications.

A former journalist and editor, he joins from Newcastle-based PR agency Northside Creative, where he led campaigns for organisations including Sony Music, Ministry of Sound, Durham City Council, Sunderland City Council and the NSPCC.

In his new role, Jon will lead 21 Degrees Digital’s growing PR division, working alongside founders Rory Mason and Zac Evans to expand the agency's communications offering and support clients across a range of sectors.

He said: “This feels like a really exciting next step, both professionally and personally.

“I’ve spent my career helping organisations find stories that genuinely deserve to be heard. What really attracted me to 21 Degrees Digital is its people. 

“They completely understand PR shouldn’t sit in isolation. 

“It works best when it’s connected to SEO, content, digital strategy and commercial objectives.

“The agency is growing for all the right reasons. 

“There’s a genuine ambition here, but there's also a brilliant culture and a willingness to think differently. 

“That’s a rare combination.

“Having spent years working with journalists, I know what cuts through and what doesn’t. 

“My job is to help our clients become impossible to ignore by creating campaigns that not only generate headlines but also deliver meaningful commercial results.”

Jon’s appointment reflects 21 Degrees Digital’s continued investment in senior talent, strengthening its integrated marketing offering as the agency continues to scale across the North.

Rory Mason, chief executive and co-founder of 21 Degrees Digital, added: “Our vision has always been to build an agency where every discipline works together to drive commercial outcomes. 

“Jon is exactly the sort of person we wanted leading PR.

“He’s not just an excellent communicator, he’s a former journalist who instinctively understands how stories are built, how newsrooms operate and, most importantly, how PR supports wider business growth.

“As AI continues to reshape marketing, trusted brands and credible media coverage are becoming more valuable than ever. 

“Jon’s experience gives our clients another significant advantage and further strengthens the joined-up approach we’re becoming known for.”

Co-founder Zac Evans added: “We’ve known from day one that if we were going to offer PR, we wanted to do it properly. 

“Jon brings outstanding media relationships, huge creativity and a track record across sectors that naturally complements everything we’re already delivering.

“He shares our belief that marketing works best when every channel supports the next. 

“PR isn’t an add-on here, it’s a strategic part of the customer journey, and Jon will play a huge role in shaping that as we continue to grow.”

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