Ben Shore

Director

Ben delivers communications advice to senior executives

He helps business leaders prepare for the moments when all eyes are on them – scrutinising their messaging, pre-empting tough questions and offering critical advice on their delivery. He supports a range of clients including Nokia, Aviva and UBS.

Ben has a journalistic background, having worked as the BBC’s Europe business reporter in Brussels and as the producer of BBC 2’s Working Lunch.

He is a keen all-round competitor but is yet to better his greatest sporting achievement – becoming the UK Under-11 Chinese Chess champion (for which he still has the trophy).

ben.shore@bladonmore.com

Vilam Vuong

Creative

Vilam uses visual language to bring stories to life.

With over ten years’ experience in the creative industry as a graphic designer, photographer and director of photography, he understands the importance and impact of good design.

Vilam has helped to solve creative challenges for a wide range of organisations, including BNP Paribas, EMI and UNICEF.

Outside of the studio, he loves travel – and his motorbike – and is happiest riding around some of the world’s most beautiful places.

vilam.vuong@bladonmore.com

Tom Brown

Associate Consultant

Tom produces a variety of strategic content, built around clear narrative and messaging.

He helps clients like HSBC, Aviva and Mastercard take control of their narrative – from internal campaigns to investor comms – and makes sure it lands with the right people.

Tom started his career in the design industry, helping to develop the visual identities for a number of the world’s largest FMC brands.

He’s a keen cricketer and also takes an interest in ancient history; but unfortunately, finds it easier to focus on the first century in books than on the pitch.

tom.brown@bladonmore.com

David Ladds

Partner

I bring insight, advice and focused execution to help organisations and individuals communicate more effectively with their key audiences.

I provide messaging,  writing and coaching support across a wide range of projects. I particularly enjoy the intensity of investor communications work, such as preparing CEOs and CFOs for results announcements, writing investor day scripts or supporting private equity firms with fundraising initiatives.

Recent work includes:

• Messaging, scripting and coaching support ahead of investor days and Capital Markets Days for UBS, UniCredit, Poste Italiane and Generali.
• Brand refresh and fundraising support for InterEnergy, plus numerous pitch book writing projects for private capital clients.
• Extensive work throughout USA and the Gulf, including large projects for International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank Group), GardaWorld, and Aldara Hospital and Medical Center.

Jamal Dayes

Head of Digital

Jamal oversees the creation of all our digital content – from website builds to app development.

With over 15 years’ experience, he has developed digital platforms for a number of high-profile institutions, from Goldman Sachs to the BBC and Downing Street.

Before joining Bladonmore, Jamal was lead developer and head of digital at content agency Ten Alps. He’s also worked on a range of leading IPTV platforms including Public.TV and Teachers.TV.

Jamal runs more than website analytics. He has already completed five marathons – and is now eyeing up a sixth.

jamal.dayes@bladonmore.com

Afea Begum

Management Accountant

Afea supports our client teams with managing the finances for their accounts.

From running monthly reports to forecasting, she helps to balance the numbers and keep on top of our costs. She manages her work alongside her studies, currently working towards her AAT qualifications.

While considered in her work, Afea is also quite a spontaneous character: she once booked a one-week holiday to Bangladesh and ending up staying for a year.

afea.begum@bladonmore.com

Jenny Torrie

Project Co-ordinator

Jenny is all about the logistics – she’s responsible for bringing together all the moving parts of our coaching projects.

Whether liaising with our camera crews or coaches, Jenny gets to grips with all the details in the build-up to our media and presentation coaching sessions to make sure everything runs smoothly.

She spent seven years in Hong Kong, working within the housing and recruitment industries, before returning to the UK to join Bladonmore.

Growing up in a small Irish seaside town, Jenny is also a fully qualified lifeboat driver.

jenny.torrie@bladonmore.com

Allie Lindly

Business Co-ordinator

Allie’s responsibilities range from project management to business development.

Based in the US, she supports with the day-to-day management for a number of our clients as well as working closely with our London HQ.

In her previous roles, Allie has run projects across a range of sectors, from comms to financial services.

Outside of work, she loves to garden and is always caring for flowers, houseplants and veggies. Her favourite? Anything that will stay alive indoors is always a good start.

Paul Rush

Financial Controller

Paul is responsible for all financial and management accounts across Bladonmore’s global business.

He helps our client teams manage their projects and maintain good cash flow within the business.

Paul has over 10 years’ accounting experience within the creative and media industries as company accountant at Bell Pottinger Group and group management accountant at AMV BBDO Group.

Numbers and music often go hand in hand – and Paul is no exception. While he used to manage the accounts for the Ministry of Sound Group, he’s also a DJ in his own right.

paul.rush@bladonmore.com

Andy Burridge

Client Services Manager

Andy leads our client services team, overseeing our approach to all projects.

Working closely with our clients, he makes sure all of our work consistently meets the same high standards and delivers against the brief.

He has delivered award-winning brand campaigns for companies including RHI Magnesita and PwC, employee engagement campaigns for Allianz, Essilor and Refinitiv, and investor comms for Aviva, Caledonia Investments and Lloyds Banking Group.

Andy is a Derby County fan…partly because he enjoys using his Saturday to take a break from the structured approach he adopts midweek.

andy.burridge@bladonmore.com

Sara Tingström

Assistant Producer

Sara manages our film projects, from first concept to the final cut.

With a deep understanding of digital media, she works directly with our clients, film crews and post-production team to understand the requirements of each film and ensure we always have the best team in place.

She has delivered film work for clients including Marks & Spencer, Essilor and the Actis.

You’ll normally see Sara wearing black or white, and this choice of colour palette spills over to other parts of her life, too – she is the dedicated owner of her ‘tuxedo cat’, Luuve.

sara.tingstrom@bladonmore.com

Cathy West

Front-of-house

Thanks to Cathy, day-to-day life at Bladonmore’s London HQ runs without a hitch.

As the first face to welcome our clients into the office, she makes sure that all our visitors feel right at home. Additionally, she supports the wider team with events, diary administration and managing our suppliers.

Before becoming part of Bladonmore, Cathy worked as a project coordinator within the energy industry.

In her spare time, she’s a big fan of the open water and enjoys going sea fishing – whatever the weather.

Anthony Coombes

Creative Director

Ant leads our creative team, overseeing all work that comes though the studio.

He acts as a critical eye and a creative support, drawing on a wealth of corporate branding experience for the likes of Boots, RioTinto and Vodafone.

Ant has won a range of industry accolades including DBA Design Effectiveness Awards for British Gas and the NHS.

Like many creatives, from Banksy to the Brontës, Ant also shares some of his own work under a pseudonym, Faddy Finch.

anthony.coombes@bladonmore.com

Lauren Webb

HR Manager

Lauren brings in – and gets the best out of – our Bladonmore talent.

Whether through mentoring schemes, career development or more pastoral matters, she makes sure we bring the best people into the business and that all staff make the most of their Bladonmore experience.

Lauren has worked across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, having previously been UK HR manager at Quarto Publishing plc before joining Bladonmore.

She also has two keen interests – fitness and astrology; and, in true Aries style, likes to wind down in the gym with a pair of boxing gloves and a punchbag.

lauren.webb@bladonmore.com

Charlotte Gibson

Project Manager

Charlotte helps run our content projects, from first briefing to final output.

She is the direct point of contact for a number of our clients and has delivered projects across a range of industries and focus areas, including employee engagement campaigns for Essilor and ESG film work for Arq.

Her background combines financial insight with a creative eye. Before joining Bladonmore, she worked as an analyst and practice manager for St James’s Place as well as at brand company Four by Two.

Charlotte is very fond of her Scottish heritage… but of Irn-Bru, whisky and haggis, a little less so.

charlotte.gibson@bladonmore.com

Olivia Tharian

Project Manager

Olivia keeps our content projects on track from beginning to end, managing timings, budgets and our own studio resources.

She acts as a regular point of contact for our clients, including Caledonia Investments, Refinitiv and Safanad, and is always on hand to tackle any challenges that pop up along the way.

Olivia started her career working in tech PR, helping her clients communicate their messaging through media relations, social media and various other channels.

Her responsibilities don’t let up outside of the office, as she’s kept on her toes by her most demanding client, Poppy – her Borador (a Labrador/collie mix).

olivia.tharian@bladonmore.com

Richard Rivlin

Chairman

I spend two-thirds of my time helping clients to refine their narrative and verbalise it, as effectively as possible. This means constructively speaking truth to power every day. The other third is spent obsessing about our own organisational development, striving to develop an environment where careers can blossom.

My experience:

• Trusted advisor to Diageo, Philips, Virgin Galactic and numerous other clients.
• Project work with numerous Fortune 500 and Private Capital clients – from BlackRock to Bridgepoint, our very first client who we continue to serve 17 years on
• Extensive international business experience throughout the United States; the Gulf, the EU and Switzerland.
• Award-winning business journalist for the Financial Times and The Sunday Telegraph, working in both London and New York

I’m as ambitious and upbeat for our future, as I was when we set sail on 11th March 2002.

richard.rivlin@bladonmore.com

Sonja Jones

Content

Sonja manages a number of content projects and provides editorial consultancy for our clients.

Working closely with our creative team, she draws on her background as a marketing manager to get inside our client’s world and ensure the work we deliver truly represents their brand.

With over 12 years’ experience working for creative agencies, she has delivered strategic, digital and creative projects for the likes of Pernod Ricard, Vodafone and GlaxoSmithKline.

Originally from Speyside, she’s much like a ‘wee dram’, and can really pack a punch. But you’re always left with her sweeter side.

sonja.jones@bladonmore.com

Nicodemos Pinto

Production Manager

Nicodemos takes what we capture on camera and cuts the content for the screen.

He’s on hand from the very first briefing, to provide a technical steer and explore the possibilities of what a narrative can look like – literally.

Above all, Nicodemos makes sure that all of our clients end up with a polished end product. With a wealth of experience, he has helped produce films for clients including Bain Capital, Actis and Fidelity International.

Occasionally, our film projects throw up a curve ball; but, as a professional ten pin bowler in his youth, Nicodemos is more than capable of handling them.

nicodemos.pinto@bladonmore.com

Ella Stoltzman-Thomas

Commercial Manager

I co-ordinate and plan Bladonmore’s coaching projects, managing relationships, budgets and briefs.

Bladonmore’s coaching department is a fast-paced, complex and exciting place to work. I make sure we deliver the outcomes and level of excellence that we and our clients expect by meticulously planning and orchestrating a range of strategic and operational projects.

Building strong, lasting and open relationships — with clients, suppliers and colleagues — is key to how we operate. I love getting to know our clients and their worlds; not only is it fascinating, it’s how we develop the strategies that help them to craft and then tell their best stories.

I feel enormously privileged to have the trust of our clients, and it is an honour to have them come back to us time and again — it’s a sign that we ‘get’ them; that we truly understand the challenges and opportunities they face. Seeing how people engage with our work and how we make a real difference to the way they communicate – that is what is incredibly rewarding.

My experience

• Operations manager at an events company
• Prior experience in consular services and business administration

ella.stoltzman-thomas@bladonmore.com

Mohammed Esmail

Office & IT Manager

Mohammed keeps Bladonmore online and up to date will all the latest tech.

Always on hand for any glitch in the system, he keeps an eye on all Bladonmore’s equipment, managing maintenance and system upkeep.

Throughout all his years at Bladonmore, Mohammed always keeps his cool – however much his patience is tested.

Mohammed’s interest in computing is reflected in his love of video games, but supporting Tottenham Hotspur is his real Call of Duty.

Sandra Davis

Director

Sandra leads on Bladonmore’s presentation coaching.

As a close advisor to senior management at organisations including Land Securities, Rio Tinto and GE, she helps leaders to articulate their message and ensure it cuts through.

Sandra has spent her entire career in communications – but in different guises. She originally started as a speech therapist, developing a scientific interest and understanding of how we process and respond to language.

Before joining Bladonmore she held directorships at a number of PR firms and was head of corporate communications for a FTSE 250 company.

sandra.davis@bladonmore.com

Shreena Patel

Consultant

Shreena focuses on a range of strategic positioning, narrative and development projects.

For organisations including Mastercard, Marks & Spencer and ArcelorMittal, she helps to define and articulate the messaging for our clients that resonate with their audience.

With a financial services background in both the public and private sector – working for the Financial Services Authority (now FCA) and HSBC – she also spent three-and-a-half years in Hong Kong, working as Editor-in-Chief for publishing house Hong Kong Living.

A fan of detective novels, Shreena’s approach to consultancy is inspired by one of her favourite fictional sleuths, Sherlock Holmes: “I listen to their story, they listen to my comments, and then I pocket my fee.”

shreena.patel@bladonmore.com

Nick McAlpine

Executive Producer/Director

Nick leads Bladonmore’s film team and produces, writes and directs films that bring our clients’ business stories to life.

With three decades as a professional film maker, Nick has proven and award-winning experience of telling stories on film throughout the world to meet the objectives of clients.

Nick’s work spans a range of industries and recent projects include films for Arq, Bridgepoint, Baring Vostok Capital Partners, Caledonia Investments, Poste Italiane and UniCredit. In recent years, he has developed a focus on investor communications.

nick.mcalpine@bladonmore.com

Richard Carpenter

Managing Partner

Richard is responsible for driving Bladonmore’s strategy and the running of our global business.

Over his career, he has helped a large number of the world’s leading organisations to define and deliver their stories. Covering investor communications, sustainability and employee engagement, he has worked with the likes of Aviva, Facebook, Alibaba, HSBC and the London Stock Exchange.

Before joining Bladonmore, Richard was CEO of MerchantCantos, part of Brunswick Group. A former journalist at the Mail on Sunday, he is also author to various books on corporate governance and investor relations.

Outside of work, Richard likes to sign up for lots of challenging races and then come up with great excuses not to do them.

richard.carpenter@bladonmore.com

Liz Felisberto

Finance & Operations Manager

Liz oversees the coaching department’s finances and supports the day-to-day management of all Bladonmore’s money matters.  

Across our coaching clients, she is responsible for analysing and reviewing the numbers on every project, making sure it all adds up.

With a keen eye for detail, she’s a dab hand at Origami and can make models of anything from flowers to frogs.

liz.felisberto@bladonmore.com

Hayley Fletcher

Executive Assistant

Hayley is a lifeline to our partners and keeps everyone and everything in the business on track. 

With three offices in three different timezones, she’s always on hand to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, as well as helping run client events from our London office.

Hayley was previously executive assistant to the worldwide president of Burson-Marsteller (now Burson Cohn & Wolfe) and has a decade of experience in events and marketing roles.

Resilience and a global outlook have always been a constant for Hayley; she has travelled a lot of the eastern hemisphere, including India – five separate times.

hayley.fletcher@bladonmore.com

Matthew Guarente

Partner

Matt is the senior member of Bladonmore’s coaching team  

He helps the leaders of organisations deliver their narrative in a clear, compelling way – providing advisory and counsel on content and expression of ideas between the stakeholders who form a company’s reputation.

With over 15 years’ consultancy experience, he has delivered trusted relationships among a number of world-leading companies including Royal Philips, HSBC, BAE Systems and Airbus, among others.

Prior to Bladonmore, Matt held editorial management roles at Sunday Business, The Business and was launch editor of Square Mile. He was also head of the equities desk at Bloomberg News and director of the New Business Division at The Condé Nast Publications

matthew.guarente@bladonmore.com

Michael Holland

Assistant Editor

Michael supports the editorial and post-production elements of our film process.

He spends some time assisting ‘on set’, but his main focus is on the finer detail of how our final productions are pieced together. He is also responsible for maintaining our resource libraries and managing our archived footage.

With an academic background in music and media production, Michael previously spent four years as part of the Arcuro and Videojug Networks.

While he may be the go-to man for access to Bladonmore’s archives, his real specialist subject is something different – he prides himself on an encyclopaedic knowledge of 90s football.

Michael Marijeanne

Creative Artworker

Michael adds the all-important final touch to our creative projects. 

His work is all about the detail, the added consideration that makes creative concepts a reality – and good design great.

Whether through thoughtful typography, imagery or slide layout, Michael ensures that the practicalities of presentation never detract from its impact.

With close to 20 years’ experience in both agency and pre-press, he has worked with a range of global brands, including Manchester United and Walt Disney.

The best artwork requires a lot of creative discipline. Michael is certainly not short of that, having once been asked to perform martial arts for the Queen.

michael.marijeanne@bladonmore.com