Eatwell takes top spot at Newgate

Rebecca Eatwell has been promoted to a national role as managing partner of Newgate Communications, based in the Manchester office, and is also taking over as head of the Newgate Engage practice.

She succeeds Andy Martin, who is leaving the company.

Newgate Engage was founded when stakeholder engagement and regional PR firm PPS Group rebranded and completed its merger with Newgate at the beginning of April. It has offices in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Eatwell joined PPS in 2007 after a stint in the Government Office for the North West and in the Equal Opportunities Commission.

When Engage was launched Newgate announced that it would invest in its regional offices, including Manchester, to allow them to offer the full suite of corporate communications services, including crisis and issues management, corporate reputation, public affairs and financial PR.

Eatwell said: “Being asked to lead the Newgate Engage team is a massive privilege, and I am relishing the challenge ahead. Our regional network is one of our biggest strengths. We have people on the ground who really understand and can talk to local stakeholders, customers and the media. We have a strong track record in the North West and I want to build on this.”

The Newgate Manchester office employs nine consultants and delivers work for a client roster including Peel, Capital & Centric, Taylor Wimpey, National Grid and HIMOR.

Gavin Devine, chief executive of Newgate, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rebecca has become the head of Newgate Engage and the leader of our regional network. Having worked closely with her in recent months I know that she is a highly skilled, dedicated and determined operator.”