Joint managing directors appointed as Cartwright gears for growth

As part of its continued growth, Cartwright has announced changes in its leadership structure with the appointment of Annie Brafield and Rose Hayes as joint managing directors.

Liz Cartwright will step into the role of founder with Annie and Rose taking responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the agency.

The move builds on the growing role undertaken by Annie and Rose since becoming shareholders in the business in 2023, and comes following a year that has seen the agency named the UK’s Agency of the Year at the 2025 Construction Marketing Awards and official storytelling partner for UKREiiF 2026.

Liz said: “Annie and Rose have focused on business growth as directors, and this change in structure acknowledges the roles they have both played in Cartwright’s success. 

“Cartwright achieved a record-breaking turnover this year and a series of new client wins. There is much to celebrate as the agency reaches 20 years of trading this summer. Now is the appropriate time to ensure that we are geared towards driving business growth for both Cartwright and our clients into the future, and Annie and Rose being at the helm achieves just that.”

The agency recently reached 40 employees across its offices in Nottingham, London and Birmingham. Its teams work across PR, digital, social media and planning and stakeholder communications on prominent businesses such as international vision brand ZEISS, leading procurement framework managing agent Pagabo, wool bedding specialist Woolroom and global sustainability consultancy SLR Consulting.

Annie said: “Cartwright has always been built on brilliant people, strong relationships and wholehearted support for our clients and for each other. To step into this role alongside Rose is a huge privilege, particularly at such an exciting point in the agency’s journey.

“As we continue to grow, our focus will be on protecting the culture, care and conviction that have shaped Cartwright over the last 20 years, while giving our team the confidence, clarity and opportunity to do the best work of their careers. Our people are what make this agency special, and they will be central to everything we do next.”

Rose said: “This is a really exciting moment for Cartwright. As I take on an even stronger focus on the commercial growth of the business, while Annie remain dedicated to people and culture, both the team and clients will feel the benefit of that ambition. Annie and I are honoured to be leading the agency into its next chapter, and our focus is firmly on sustainable growth, strong partnerships and results that speak for themselves.”

Other changes within the agency’s structure have seen the appointment of Mandeep Bhaur as head of new business, with Peter Mumford adding the role of innovation lead to his current position of account manager.