Sue Darlaston has joined Banks Sadler as Head of Business Development, with Jamie Blackall joining as Banks Sadler’s Senior Bid Writer. Darlaston and Blackall have both joined from HRG, an American Express GBT company, and bring with them a wealth of experience to their new roles.

Darlaston, who has 21 years’ experience in the meetings and events industry previously held a Head of Sales, EMEA role for HRG, where she was responsible for strategic direction and development of meeting programmes for clients both on a global and regional basis.  At Banks Sadler, Darlaston’s role will be supporting business development and growth for this creative event agency as well as working alongside American Express GBT to deliver the right solutions to their clients.

Darlaston speaks of the appointment “Bank Sadler is a vibrant and creative agency, the enthusiasm and energy from the team is infectious. I’m delighted to be working with a team of highly skilled individuals who create amazing events for our clients”.

Blackall, who was previously a qualified management accountant, has worked in a number of finance roles before changing direction 12 years’ ago, and becoming a bid manager. Blackall initially worked on corporate travel bids before specialising in meetings and events when HRG launched that division five years’ ago.

In his new role as Banks Sadler’s Senior Bid Writer, Blackall will be responsible for RFI and RFP responses, to support growing the company’s current portfolio of world renowned clients.

Blackall says of the hire “I have always worked for large corporates and wanted to experience a faster moving agency environment, with a collaborative feel to it. I also enjoy writing about meetings and events and the variety that this sector brings. Having worked at Banks Sadler for just over a week, my first impression is of a friendly, highly skilled and incredibly hard-working team”.

Caron Livens, MD, Banks Sadler & UK says of the two appointments “We are delighted to be expanding our new business and event solutions teams at such an exciting time for the Banks Sadler brand. Sue and Jamie bring with them such fantastic experience and knowledge from their previous roles that we are positive they will be instrumental in driving Banks Sadler’s growth strategy moving forward. They are a brilliant addition to the team and are already fitting right in”

Adam Parry
Author: Adam Parry

Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.