International communications consultancy Bladonmore names Cathal Smyth as strategy director to further strengthen leadership team. Smyth’s role will focus on accelerating strategic thinking across branding, engagement and digital activations.

Smyth joins Bladonmore with a wealth of industry experience in brand and communications with blue-chip clients, primarily in the corporate and B2B space.

Smyth’s career spans over two decades and includes three years at brand consultancy Siegel & Gale as senior strategist; and managing director at The Group, one of the UK’s leading corporate digital agencies, where he was responsible for leading the direction and success of the company. More recently he was executive director at WPP-owned SuperUnion, where he continued to work on the connections between brand strategy and user experience.

With a portfolio of award-winning work that has been commended for its innovation, clarity and authenticity, Smyth has led key strategic projects for clients such as Aviva, Centrica, Diageo, IHG, Kantar, Kingfisher, Legal & General, Tesco and WPP.

Bladonmore CEO, Richard Carpenter, says, “Cathal’s work has, rightly, been recognised over the years – by colleagues, clients and awards ceremonies alike, and we believe he brings skills that will perfectly complement our team. The appointment comes at an important time for us, as Bladonmore continues to expand the services, international reach and breadth of strategic direction we offer clients – Cathal is going to add unquestionable value.”

Smyth adds, “This sort of role is actually very rare in my experience. A solid company with a clear growth strategy. A really strong reputation with major clients. Great people and no misplaced egos. Work that is strategic and complex but with a strong delivery focus. I really feel the energy and momentum at Bladonmore and I’m so pleased to be part of this next chapter in the story.”

This senior hire follows a period of expansion and development for Bladonmore, including the appointment of Richard Carpenter to the new global CEO position earlier in the year.