The UK Social Media Awards have been judged by digital marketing industry leaders and experts.
Current Judges
Previous Judges are listed below
Previous Judges
Our 2022 Judges
Andy Fairclough | Strategy Consultant |
Andy is a freelance Insight & Strategy Consultant with 13 years’ experience working in media, advertising and PR. His background is a combination of data, consultancy and strategy – and he has applied his art and science background on social marketing for the past seven years at Dentsu, IPG and now freelance. Specialisms include audience strategy, emerging trends, digital and influencer marketing and emerging technologies.
Anita Veszeli | Global Head of Social Engagement & Advocacy | Ericsson
Anita is the Global Head of Social Engagement & Advocacy at Ericsson, where she has been championing social-first thinking since 2013. Having amassed more than 15 years’ experience in B2B marketing and communication, and a decade in social media across various roles, she currently enjoys a unique position with oversight of all social media, employee advocacy and influencer marketing across Ericsson’s global business.
Carla Marshall | Head of Content Marketing | Vidiq
Carla Marshall is the Head of Content Marketing at YouTube analytics platform vidIQ. She has 10+ years of experience in video marketing, social media management, content marketing, DRM, and SEO. She was previously Editor in Chief at ReelSEO.com and TubularInsights.com, and the Community Manager for the ReelSEO YouTube Channel. She is YouTube Certified and a judge for the UK, US, and EU Search Awards.
Carlotta Bonafini | SEO Product Owner | Vodafone
Carlotta is leading the SEO team at Vodafone UK, where she is overseeing the development of their new digital strategy. She started her professional career in the marketing field working for Expedia in the search department. She directed many regional projects before moving into a global position where her initiatives created outstanding results whilst pioneering new processes. She supervised both creative campaigns and technical projects, and launched many impactful ideas. Carlotta graduated from London Metropolitan University and Milan Catholic University and has been living in London for over 9 years. Passionate about high-tech, she is working on improving her coding skills and is always eager to expand her technical knowledge
Charlotte Wright | Director, Head of Social Media | iProspect
Charlotte leads iProspect’s award-winning social media team across Paid, Organic Social and Influencer Marketing, with over 30 team members across 4 offices. With 12 years agency experience, Charlotte has led and implemented transformative social strategies for a broad range of consumer brands including Matalan, Pets at Home, Thomas Cook and many more. Charlotte is a passionate believer in the power of social media to deliver business results; driving deeper connections between brands and their customers.
Chris McKay | Head of Brand Engagement | Hillarys
Chris is a multiple award-winning social media expert with more than a decade experience in digital marketing. He’s worked in a variety of roles across multiple brands including The Hillarys Group, Ministry of Sound, Arla Foods and The Very Group (previous Shop Direct Group). Over the last six years, Chris has progressed from Social Media Executive to Head of Brand Engagement at The Hillarys Group where he is responsible for not only social media but PR, influencer marketing, home interest advertising, sponsorship, partnerships, content and brand reputation strategy. He is the driving force behind changing the company’s approach to social media, developing ways of measuring it from both a brand metrics perspective and to a cost-efficient ROI. Chris also runs The Social Expert, where he teaches brands (both big and small) how to use social media effectively to grow their company and has worked with numerous start-ups and local businesses to help them reach their potential
Daniel Upson | Director of Social Media | iProspect
Danielle Smith | Managing Director | Communicator London
An agency leader with considerable experience in building strong senior client relationships; providing strategic direction and driving commercial success. Danielle has strong a track record of leading and executing social, digital and integrated campaigns for numerous top tier brands, (including McDonald’s, Coke, Jack Daniel’s, Kellogg’s and Heineken) that resonate with consumers, drive sales for clients and create agency growth
Greg Allum | Head of Social | Jellyfish
Greg Allum is an established client-side and agency marketer with over 10+ year’s experience leading high-performing teams. He recently became Vice President, Display & Social at LQ Digital in 2019 to drive forward the agency’s social media capability and lead its growing team. Prior to joining LQ, he worked for Jellyfish as Global Head of Social leading a team of 25 and responsible for >$75m annualized media spend and also consulted on the Toyota/Lexus account for Group M agency m/six. He has significant in-house experience at brands including British Gas, Legal and General and more recently Sony Electronics where he was European head of social and creative strategy.
Inam Mahmood | Managing Director, Global Business Solutions (UK) | TikTok
Inam Mahmood serves as Managing Director, Global Business Solutions (UK) for TikTok, the popular short-form video app that inspires creativity and brings joy. In this role, Inam oversees all commercial partnerships. Prior to joining TikTok, Inam played a major role in growing digital businesses across various mobile and video startups over the last 18 years, including award-winning creative mobile firm, Adludio, where he led strategy and client relationships across high-growth businesses. Inam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Film & Broadcast Production. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, movies and discovering new cultures.
Joana Sinel | Tech SEO Manager | Property Finder
Joana has 10 years’ experience working in the world of digital & performance marketing, with in-depth specialist knowledge of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Google Marketing Products. She gained valuable experience working on the agency side which immersed her fully in the fast-moving digital marketing culture, with a variety of SEO clients of different sizes in different industries such as banking, hotels, airlines, finance, travel and eCommerce.
Justin Clark | Founder | JustSocial
Laura Thomas | Media Innovation Director | MediaCom Media
Over the last decade, Laura’s worked in various roles across PR, digital and advertising, including running her own business focusing on consultancy for two years, and has delivered social training for companies including Econsultancy and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. In the last five years, Laura’s progressed through various roles at MediaCom North including Head of Display & Head of Digital Media Strategy and within those roles has developed multi-award winning campaigns for clients like New Balance and Missguided. Laura now holds a dual role as an Investment Director responsible for Media Innovation and Social at MediaCom North. In Social, Laura is responsible for leading the paid social product and team across the group – ensuring growth and best practice. In Innovation, Laura works with media owners to give clients across the group access to the most innovative and exciting ways to activate media, enabling them to engage with their audiences on a deeper level and build greater emotional connections. Having worked in social media for different types of businesses, Laura is a passionate believer in the power of using social media to drive meaningful business outcomes and behavioural change.
Lyndsey Evans | Founder | Collaborative Folks
Lyndsey runs the PR & communications freelance network, Collaborative Folks, which she launched after 20 years working in both inhouse and agency marketing communications roles, spanning PR, content marketing and brand strategy. Prior to this she headed up comms at retailers AO.com and Iceland Foods, as well as worked at some of the north west’s biggest agencies. Lyndsey’s experience spans 70+ brands across 20 sectors and includes Bentley Motors, Gumtree, Very, Specsavers and Marks & Spencer. At AO.com, Lyndsey transformed the brand's reputation from a little-known online white goods specialist to one of the most talked about emerging online retailers over a four year period. She also introduced the company’s first PR, content and influencer team and after inheriting a decimated search profile brought the business' search rankings back to page 1 from page 100 following a Google penalty. Lyndsey has won many industry awards and has been named a top 50 in-house communicator in the north.
Lynsey Smith | Global Communications Senior Manager | Dove
Lynsey is a Global Senior Communications Manager for Dove. With over 12 years of experience (agency side and in-house) she has worked across a broad range of industry sectors, both internationally and within the UK. A strong believer in the power of social, Lynsey has a proven track record of creating and implementing impactful PR, influencer marketing and social media strategies that drives sales and achieve coverage in the editorial and influencer environment.
Matt Read | Global Social Media Director | GSMA
Matt Read is the Global Director of Social Media at the GSMA. An award-winning social & content strategist with over 12 years of experience in the industry, Matt's innovative approach to social media marketing and relentless drive to stay ahead of the game has afforded him many opportunities to create forward-thinking strategies for some of the world's leading brands and organisations.
Matthew Tasker | Head of Digital Channels | United Utilities
Matt leads the digital channels team at United Utilities, the largest listed water company in the UK serving more than 3 million homes and businesses in the North West. Matt’s team looks after digital customer service including social media and webchat, digital marketing and optimising the customer experience, and the performance of a range of digital customer journeys across various platforms. Prior to working at United Utilities, Matt started his career as a business management graduate at RWE npower before moving on to hold various marketing and digital roles at npower, Vax and British Gas. Outside of work he’s also the chairman of Hale Barns Cricket Club.
Megan Farmer | Global Head of Social Media | J.P. Morgan
Megan leads J.P. Morgan’s global Social Media Marketing and Communications Centre of Excellence. She joined the firm in 2013 to manage the J.P. Morgan brand on social media, including content strategy and development, communications, marketing, social listening and analytics. In 2017, J.P. Morgan won its first Shorty Award under Megan’s leadership. In 2019, Megan relocated from New York to London to expand J.P. Morgan’s EMEA and APAC social presence, and took on the additional responsibility of the wider JPMorgan Chase brand. Previous to J.P. Morgan, Megan has a decade of experience writing and producing content across digital, print, and broadcast platforms. Outside of the office, Megan is an avid runner, finishing 12 full marathons to date.
Neil Hardy | Digital Director | MID COUNTIES COOP
Neil has been involved in the digital industry since 1994 when he launched his first website for travel brand Page & Moy. He has worked for several blue-chip companies including TUI, The Co-op, Icelolly, Midcounties Co-op and more recently Shearing’s Holidays. With a strong commercial background, digital results and ROI are key focus points in any award judging. Follow Neil on Twitter @hardyneil
Nicole Correia | Senior Social Media Executive | Ocado
Nicole started her social journey from her student halls bedroom when she worked with local businesses and start-ups. Since leaving uni, her career has taken her from major players like Coca-Cola, Schweppes and Lucozade and even a stint with Pokemon. In her current role at Ocado Retail, she is responsible for maximising the 'value' Ocado's followers provide the business and, mutually, the value that social media provides Ocado customers. This includes constantly seeking out trends, opportunities and efficiencies from content creation, amplification and community management - which she knows she'll see lots of in this year's submissions.
Niusha Koucheksarai | Brand Partnerships Lead | TikTok
Niusha Koucheksarai is Head of Brand Partnerships for Global Business Solutions for TikTok, the short-form video and entertainment platform. In this role, Niusha oversees brand & client partnerships across key accounts, empowering vertical brand experts to drive TikTok for Business solutions and value for our customers. Prior to joining TikTok, Niusha has nearly 15 years Agency experience specialising in TV, Video and Trading, most recently as Head of AV for Havas Media Group
Paris de Reuck | Content and Facebook Advertising Strategist | Consultant
Paris has worked in social media and SEO for thirteen years, with eight years spent heading social media, influencers and editorial teams at MediaCom and OMD. Paris now works directly with companies and startups creating and managing their content, or improving the outputs of their staff, giving a fresh perspective on how to make content and social media efforts more effective.
Paul Chivers | Senior Client Partner | Twitter
Paul has been at Twitter for six years having spent the previous six working within media agencies such as Mindshare and OMD in a variety of digital and social media roles. He currently leads the UK Group M relationship at Twitter having previously led global relationships with Twitter's biggest partners. In his role he is responsible for working closely with agency leadership to ensure all brands within the group can reach their most valuable audiences on Twitter, using creative and impactful solutions that drive effectiveness. In his agency roles he was tasked with delivering award winning social media strategy and execution and is thrilled to be asked to judge this year’s work having seen so many brilliant campaigns in the last year.
Rachel Lloyd | PR Consultant & Founder | Ebb & Co. Communications
Rachel is a strategic senior communications professional with over 21 years experience of delivering award-winning campaigns for large international brands including Cunard, Samsung, HP (Hewlett-Packard), BAA, KLM, Moat House Hotels, Isle of Jura Whisky and Land Rover. Post her departure earlier this year from Cunard, where she held the role of Global Director of PR & Social Media, Rachel launched her own consultancy Ebb & Co. Communications, offering PR, social media and influencer relations. Specialising in the luxury, lifestyle and travel sectors, Rachel has extensive experience in creating and delivering integrated consumer brand led campaigns, reputation management including executive visibility, media and influencer relations, content planning and development, building and managing brand partnerships and social media including paid and social strategy. Rachel is a member of Global Women in PR (GWPR) and is part of the executive committee.
Steve Kuncewicz | Partner and Head Of Creative, Digital & Marketing | Glaisyers ETL
Steve is a Partner within BLM’s Commercial Advisory Business Stream, and leads the firm’s Creative, Digital & Marketing Sector Group. Specialising in intellectual property, media, marketing and privacy-related issues, Steve is also the Honorary Solicitor to the Manchester Publicity Association and a co-founder of the Bulletproof Agency Network, working with agencies and clients who deal with them to leverage legal expertise and a commercial approach for the benefit of his clients.
Tom Cheesewright | FOUNDER OF APPLIED FUTURISM PRACTICE | BOOK OF THE FUTURE
Tom Cheesewright is the founder of applied futurism practice, Book of the Future and creator of the Futurist's Toolkit, a suite of tools for agile organisations. Through consulting, speaking and media work Tom helps people to see, share and respond to a coherent vision of tomorrow. Clients range from charities and public sector organisations to FTSE100 enterprises and global technology corporations. They include; LG, Nikon, Sony Pictures, the NHS, Manchester University, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and the Institute of Leadership and Management. Tom followed a degree in Mechatronic Engineering with 14 years in the tech industry, working with global brands such as BT, EE and IBM, and subsequently founded a series of technology-driven companies. Most recently Tom co-founded venture-backed big data analytics start-up CANDDi, of which he remains a shareholder. He acts as an advisor to a number of technology-driven start-ups. Tom is a frequent presence on TV and radio, appearing across the BBC from the Breakfast sofa to Newsround and World Business Report, and as a regular contributor to 5live and Radio 4. He has shared his thoughts on the future with Channel 4′s Sunday Brunch, Sky News, the Guardian, Evening Standard, Entrepreneur Magazine, Stuff and MSN. Tom is in demand as a futurist speaker, trainer and host and is able to shape his presentations to suit your requirements and audience.
Zoë Williams | Social Media Manager | Boohoo
Our Event Sponsors & Partners
Testimonials
"We’re thrilled to be finalists because the UK Social Media Awards are an amazing way to celebrate the creativity and innovation that is involved in achieving outstanding social media campaigns, judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders and experts. It’s incredible to be finalists alongside some incredible campaigns. It means a lot to be recognised for our hard work."
Naturally Social
"I am very honoured to have been shortlisted for the Mark Hanson Award and feel blessed to have been recognised for my achievements, thank you."
Olivia Messina Oktopost
“We are so grateful to have received this award in recognition of our growth and quality of work achieved in only five years. The team is incredibly proud, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve in 2024.”
Zoe Stephenson, Co-Founder & Managing Director The Social Shepherd
"This award fuels our determination to continue building our reputation for developing strong and impactful products. We’re excited about the journey ahead and remain committed to delivering excellence in the ever-evolving world of social media. Thank you for this achievement!"
Performics
Early Bird Countdown
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