hpmgroup is storming into 2010 with the appointment of 5 key members to the team. hpmgroup, a marketing communications agency with an in-house print facility, employs 52 people at its premises in County Durham. Despite the economic downturn and challenges faced during 2009, hpmgroup has provided significant investment in their Marketing Department and Client Services department. A non-executive Director has also been appointed to the board to drive strategy and growth in the Sales Department.

Richard Mortimer, Managing Director said: “This is an exciting time for hpmgroup. We have invested heavily in two key departments within the organisation and the results are already paying off. Our teams are excited and enthusiastic about what 2010 holds and we are looking forward to a successful year. Our clients can expect some exciting changes over the next twelve months!”

Chris Vass, Director of Strategy and Sales, has joined the board as a non-executive director. Chris’s background lies in retail and strategy development and has worked with many of the large supermarket chains over the past 30 years. Chris brings with him a wealth of knowledge of online media, in particular website design and hosting, online systems, search engine optimisation and email marketing.

Lucy Groves, Marketing Manager, joins hpmgroup once again having worked for the company after leaving university 4 years ago. Lucy left to gain some valuable experience in marketing communications, public relations, advertising and event management. Lucy has joined hpmgroup from Sherwoods Vauxhall and Chevrolet where she worked as Group Marketing Manager for their sites in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton.

Also joining the Marketing Team is Ryan Bennison, Marketing Executive having secured a first class honours from Northumbria University. Ryan said “Looking for employment during the past 6 months has been a challenge for many graduates, however I am thrilled to have found a position in one of the North’s leading marketing communications agencies.”

The Client Services Department is pleased to welcome Joanne Heron to the team as Client Services Representative. Joanne joins the 3 strong team from Newsquest (NE) Ltd where she worked as Media Sales Advisor for 3 years. Joanne is responsible for client communication within the organisation and looks after several key accounts.