Member Article

New year, new hire: PR agency welcomes fresh face for 2022

Award-winning Birmingham PR agency, EAST VILLAGE., has appointed Matt Dodwell as its new Account Manager, in line with its growth strategy for this year. Bringing a wealth of comms experience to the team, Matt’s role will see him lead on PR campaigns for a host of the agency’s hospitality and charity clients.

Relocating back to Birmingham for the position, Matt will be using his extensive PR experience for household consumer brands to further develop relationships and results for EAST VILLAGE.’s existing and prospective clients.

Previously leading comms at a Hilton hotel in the Midlands, Matt’s career journey saw him promoted and moved to London, where he worked in comms for the Hilton brand across Europe, Middle East and Africa. With experience in regional PR agencies prior to this, Matt has cemented his position in the city’s business and social scene, the recruit is sure to be a perfect match for the firm well-known for PR with personality.

Commenting on his new role, Matt said:

“I couldn’t be happier since moving back to Birmingham! The city is abuzz with new projects, and after following EAST VILLAGE.‘s successes for a number of years, it’s great to be part of the team. It’s an exciting time in PR: since the pandemic, we’ve seen huge changes in consumer behaviour, and physical marketing is making a big comeback. I look forward to re-connecting with the Birmingham scene.”

The agency has seen significant growth in the past year, with a series of industry awards and new appointments within the team. As the latest Account Manager, Matt will be an integral part of the team, driving forward strategies for new and existing clients such as Mike Bullard’s successful restaurant, The Butchers Social, which recently acquired The Forest Hotel in Dorridge and Living For The Weekend, the festival-organisers behind Birmingham Wine Weekend, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend, and Birmingham Restaurant Festival. In addition to Living Well UK, a consortium of 30 leading mental health charities across Birmingham and Solihull.

Priding itself on delivering PR for brands who share good values and great stories, EAST VILLAGE. also works with clients including Cake, Castle Fine Art, Heart of England Community Foundation, JQBID, Longbridge Shopping, and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC).

EAST VILLAGE.’s Founder and Managing Director, Tara Tomes, added:

“Having known Matt for a number of years professionally, it’s great to welcome him to TeamEV, in our latest move towards growth. His passion for PR and working with ambitious brands fits perfectly with our ethos, and he’s already started achieving great results for clients. I’m proud that EAST VILLAGE. – and our dedicated team of PR pros – continues to go from strength to strength; supporting brands whose ambitions are just as big as ours!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie .