Leeds-based Fantastic Media, a strategic marketing firm, has announced several promotions and new hires as part of its strategy for continued growth in 2024. The firm celebrated a record-breaking turnover of £1.65 million in the previous year.
To support its expansion efforts, the company has welcomed a new account director and a multi-channel marketing executive. In addition, six current employees have received promotions across various departments.
This strategic move follows the firm’s acquisition of Faith Brand Communications in January, adding eight marketing experts to the team. This expansion brings the firm’s total turnover to over £2m and increases its workforce to 33 professionals.
Among the promotions, Sally Willis has been elevated to managing director after her return to Fantastic Media last year as director of client services. Willis had previously worked at the agency for over eight years, advancing from senior account executive to head of operations during her first tenure.
Stephanie Stretton, the new account director, comes with 15 years of experience in international sales and marketing, specializing in branding, partnerships, and performance. Before joining Fantastic, she held the position of account director at Anything is Possible in Brighton. At Fantastic, she will manage relationships with significant clients across various industries.
Stretton shared her enthusiasm about joining the team: “I moved to Leeds in May 2023, and I wanted to experience a fresh way of doing things. After meeting with the Fantastic team, I knew this was the place where I wanted to develop my career further.”
Additionally, Sam Ward has been hired as a multi-channel marketing apprentice, bringing his master’s degree in marketing from the University of Manchester and experience as a marketing assistant at TOG24. He will primarily assist the director of strategy and insights, Gary Pattison, in implementing the agency’s strategic business discovery program, iNSIGHT, for new clients.
Other promotions at the agency include Carl Smith, who has been promoted to lead web developer after 11 years with the company. Sarah Miller has advanced from account executive to account manager after a year, and Emma Pearson has been promoted to senior account executive after eight months. Annie White and Seth Leech have been promoted to account executive and digital account executive, respectively, upon completing their digital marketing apprenticeships.
Andy Hobson, founder and CEO of Fantastic Media, commented on the company’s growth and team development, saying, “These appointments and promotions show the upward trajectory that Fantastic continues to be on. The agency has come a long way over the last 18 years, and this is a testament to the people working at the heart of the business. Our growth has been further bolstered by the acquisition of Faith, which will allow us to deliver a first-class and increasingly extensive offering to all our new and existing clients.”fa
