Swindon & Wiltshire News
Work experience student works way up to senior management role
A PR expert who joined a Bristol agency on school work experience has become a senior manager 23 years later.
Following a management restructure Kayleigh Penny has been promoted to client services head at Empica, overseeing the day-to-day management and operation of the agency’s clients.
Following her A levels and having completed an English degree, Kayleigh gained experience in both in-house PR and with a specialist agency before returning to the business, founded by agency head Martin Powell in 1989.
She is now leading Empica’s team of PR professionals, journalists and content creators.
The announcement of the promotion coincides with the business relocating into new offices at Long Ashton Business Park just outside of Bristol providing the team an ideal base to service the local, national and international client base.
Martin said: “It’s amazing to think that Kayleigh first came to us for a week’s work experience.
“It’s fair to say that the media and marketing scene has changed a lot since she first started but her ability to adapt and provide exceptional service to our clients makes her invaluable and she is now working alongside me and operations head, Will Powell, running the business.
“Empica has roots dating back 35 years and some of our clients have been with us for decades and Kayleigh has been instrumental in this ongoing success. With her in the leadership team it’s fair to say the business is in safe hands.”
Kayleigh added: “I’d never have believed that as a school student back then I’d now be in the position I am today.
“Martin has built a business to be proud of with long-standing clients and a close-knit, loyal team.
“With the new office, this is an exciting time for Empica and I am looking forward to providing our existing client base with unparalleled PR and marketing advice that best supports their evolving aims and ambitions.
“At the same time, along with the team, I’ll be looking to bring our services to even more businesses across the region.”
Established in Bristol in 1989, Empica provides PR, communications and content creation services to a wide range of clients locally and across the South-West as well as nationally and internationally.
With an in-house videographer the 10-strong team, which includes a PR manager based in London, Empica supports businesses and not-for-profit organisations in all sectors.
