Senior leaders on the move – PureGym, Ancient + Brave, Symetri Europe, Ten Entertainment Group, TradeKart, and Velia
While we usually see a slowdown in recruitment during the summer months, we had several new starters in the past month and we’re seeing other moves in the wider industry, too. September to November is one of the busiest periods in the recruitment calendar, so we’re looking forward to supporting our clients in finding perfect-fit candidates over the coming months.
In the meantime, we’re delighted to congratulate the following senior leaders who have moved into fantastic roles in recent months.
James Gauduchon, Group Customer & Marketing Director, PureGym
Congratulations to James Gauduchon, who joins PureGym as Group Customer & Marketing Director. James is an effective customer and commercial senior leader with 20+ years’ marketing experience across UKI, EMEA and APAC regions in multisite consumer, FMCG and professional services sectors.
Previous roles include Brand, Marketing, Strategy Director at Greene King; Marketing Director EMEA at Costa Coffee; and Head of Commercial Marketing at Whitbread.
When announcing his new role on LinkedIn, James said, "I'm very happy to share I joined PureGym in June as Group Customer & Marketing Director, to lead its Group, UK and international teams into the brand’s next stage of growth.
A fantastic brand and business in an exciting category - I’m looking forward to continuing to drive PureGym's mission to help more people in more places lead healthier lives."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gauduchon-7a04b815
Sarah Booth, Global Marketing Director, Ancient + Brave
Sarah Booth joins Ancient + Brave - the mission-driven wellness brand - as Global Marketing Director. Sarah is a senior brand, strategy and marketing leader, committed to positive change and specialising in organisational transformation.
Previous roles include Co-Founder, Senior Director of Brand and Marketing at OVO; Head of Brand and Communications Strategy at ASOS.com; Communications Strategy Director at AMV BBDO; and Strategy Director & Partner at BBH London.
Sarah is also a Marketing Advisory Board Member for Big Give, bringing together larger donors, like philanthropists, foundations and businesses, with the giving public and the charities who need them.
Sarah shared an update on her first day, "It's my first day of new school at Ancient + Brave | B Corp where I am so excited to be taking up the role of Global Marketing Director. Plenty of the nerves this morning, not least because I am now a commuter. Delighted to announce that I did not miss my train and that the office is glorious. Can't wait to get stuck in."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-booth-5189231a
Nic Casby, Interim Marketing Director, TradeKart
Nic Casby has been appointed Interim Marketing Director at TradeKart – a delivery app revolutionising the trade industry. Nic is a senior marketing leader, specialising in growth and transformation, with more than 20 years’ experience, including interim, scaling brands and driving commercial growth across FMCG, retail e-commerce, and financial services sectors for global corporations and private equity-backed scale-up businesses.
Previous roles include Interim Marketing Director at Brother Earth Co; Head of Marketing, Northern Europe at Revolut; Regional Head of Marketing, Europe at Getir; and Brand Director, Beer at The HEINEKEN Company.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-casby-marketing-leader
James Croxall, CMO, Ten Entertainment Group
Congratulations to James Croxall who joins Ten Entertainment Group - the largest entertainment tenpin bowling operator in the UK - as CMO. James is a strategic senior marketing leader and board advisor with more than 15 years’ experience in leading brand, growth and digital marketing strategies across omnichannel retail, leisure and hospitality, FMCG and telecoms.
Previous roles include Group Marketing Director at Buzz Bingo and more than eight years at Tesco, including the Group Head of Proposition, Head of Brand & Proposition, and Head of Customer roles.
James is also a Board Advisor for Kwikish, supporting the founders in shaping the brand and marketing strategies for an innovative FMCG startup specialising in East African cuisine.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescroxall
Joanne Nelson, Director Brand Strategy & Communications, Symetri Europe
Joanne Nelson joins Symetri Europe, which creates and provides technology solutions and services for design, engineering, construction and manufacturing businesses, as Director Brand Strategy & Communications. Joanne has more than 25 years’ experience in B2B marketing, helping businesses of various sizes and sectors to create and executive impactful marketing strategies and brand positioning.
Previous roles include Head of Marketing at ACDS; Global VP Marketing at Railsbank; VP International Marketing & Analyst Relations at Logicalis; and VP Global Marketing at Damovo.
Joanne said, "Happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Director Brand Strategy & Communications at Symetri Europe! It's been a journey getting here, and I'm genuinely really excited about this role, and the company, and looking forward to diving in and making an impact!"
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-nelson-aa16721
Aoife Zakaras-Nally, Chief Marketing Officer, Velia
Aoife Zakaras-Nally has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Velia – home of the world's slimmest smart ring. Aoife is an award-winning senior marketing leader, with more than 15 years’ global experience across beauty, wellness, and technology – leading high-performing teams and delivering transformative growth.
Prior to joining Velia, Aoife spent more than six years at Elvie, including the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Commercial Officer roles. She was also previously Head of Personal Care - Northern Europe at Dyson, and Global Marketing Manager at ghd.
On LinkedIn, Aoife announced, "I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined Velia as Chief Marketing Officer — a company with a mission to help people Live Fully.
Following my time at Elvie, I knew the next chapter had to be something special. From the moment I spoke with Taha Benmrad, I was captivated by the vision."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifenally
If you feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, or if you’re hiring for your team, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for B2C and B2B marketing, digital and technology roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
If you’re ready to make your next move, we regularly post new opportunities on our LinkedIn company page. If you apply for a role on the platform, it requires a 1st connection for us to respond, so please make sure to connect with Suzie Walker. Our company page is also frequently updated with the latest hiring news, expert interviews, and candidate guidance, so well worth following.
