Over 4,000 leaders have stepped into new roles across Finance, Marketing, HR, and Technology already this month. These newly appointed directors and executives are shaping strategies for the year ahead, reviewing partners, and driving innovation within their departments.

At Honch, we track every senior move so you can identify when key decision-makers change - and reach them at the perfect moment.

HR: Redefining the Workforce Agenda

With 1,100+ HR promotions this month, people strategy continues to take centre stage. New HR Directors and Chief People Officers are leading transformation programmes, updating reward frameworks, and investing in talent and technology to support growth.

Notable HR promotions this month include:

• NBC Universal - Lisa Paul, VP, Human Resources
• Cryptio - Fem Markslag, VP of People
• HC-One - James Morrissey, Chief People Officer
• Marston’s - Vitek Sobr, Director of Reward & People Information
• Omnicom Media Group - Shetel Khimashia, Group Talent Development Director
• Freeths - Vicki Simpson, Human Resources Director
• Durham University - Nic Johnston, Chief People Officer
• END. Clothing - Helen Liddle, Director of People

‍

Finance: New Leadership Shaping Growth

With 1,188 new Finance promotions this month, organisations are strengthening their financial leadership as they plan for 2026. Newly appointed Finance Directors and CFOs are reassessing structure, investment, and efficiency - making this a key moment for partners offering financial insight and performance tools.

Some of the key promotions in October include:

• Cloudflare - Matthew Prince, VP - Head of Finance & Business Operations
• Paul Smith - Richard Woollams, Chief Financial Officer
• La Fosse Associates - Urvesh Patel, Chief Financial Officer
• Imperial Brands - Murray McGowan, Chief Financial Officer
• All3Media - Thomas Shearer, Group CFO
• Cybit - Bruce Hall, Chief Financial Officer
• Salford City Football Club - Jonathan Jackson, Chief Financial Officer

‍

Marketing: Fresh Strategies, Fresh Opportunities

Over 1,400 Marketing promotions have taken place in October, marking a wave of new leadership across UK brands. These marketing decision-makers are setting fresh direction, redefining brand strategy, and seeking new partners to support their creative and performance goals.

Key Marketing appointments this month include:

• BT Group - Cilesta Van Doorn, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer
• Cineworld Group - Lisa Williams, Director of International Marketing
• Mycom - Sandeep Raina, Chief Marketing Officer
• Pod Point - Ian Govier, VP of Marketing
• McDonald’s - Caroline Trotmandickenson, Director of Impact and Communications
• CBRE - Laura Norton, Marketing Director
• SharkNinja - Lindsey Weiss, Senior Director, Marketing, Northern Europe
• Paramount Pictures - Tanya Traish, Director of Global Marketing

‍

Technology: Driving Change and Innovation

Rounding out the month’s activity, Technology leaders across the UK are stepping into roles that will define how businesses operate, automate, and innovate. From infrastructure to automation, these new appointments highlight the continued importance of digital transformation across industries.

Key Technology promotions this month include:

• Phoenix Software - Craig Taylor, Chief Technology Officer
• Raspberry Pi - Laura Kirsop, Chief Technology and Product Officer (Interim)
• Fujitsu - Michael Burghall, Chief Technology Architect - Hybrid IT
• AJ Bell - Alan Merrie, Technology Operations Director
• BP - Alyna Farrer, Director of Technology for UK Fuels and Convenience Retail
• AstraZeneca - Ian Heathcock, Director Automation and IT/OT

‍

Connect When It Matters Most

Each of these promotions represents a moment of change - and opportunity. When senior leaders step into new roles, they reassess priorities, budgets, and partnerships. Honch keeps you updated on every senior move across UK businesses, so you can connect with decision-makers exactly when they’re reviewing partners and planning what’s next.

‍