Louise Killough has been promoted to Deputy Managing Director of The Union and simultaneously Emma Campbell is being promoted to Deputy Managing Director of sister agency, Union Direct.
(As it happens, Louise and Emma are also sisters. And no ordinary sisters; identical twins, no less.)
At the double: Emma Campbell (left) and Louise Killough (right) pictured at last week’s Marketing Star Awards.
Previously the Union’s Client Services Director, in her new role Louise will continue to manage client business and oversee the account management function, while also be responsible for the financial performance and overall strategy direction of the agency. She will continue to work closely with other board members: Ian McAteer (Chairman), Michael Hart (Creative Director) and Heather Blair (Finance Director).
Having joined the agency in 2005 as an Account Manager, Louise has risen constantly through the ranks of account management, building her career with work on blue-chip clients such as The Scottish Government, VisitScotland and Quality Meat Scotland. Along the way she has won accolades and awards, with many of her campaigns recognised as best in class at a UK-wide and international level. Louise was promoted to Client Services Director in 2018, and to The Union’s board in 2021.
Widely recognised for her ability to connect with clients, Louise is an active participant in both the Marketing Society Scotland and the Scottish IPA.
Commenting on her promotion, Louise said: “There’s never been a dull moment in my journey at the Union. I’ve worked with some great clients, helped produce many award-winning campaigns and very lucky to work with a talented team. My experience through the pandemic was, on reflection, the making of me; it tested my leadership skills way beyond anything I’d known. I’m looking forward to working with Ian, Michael and Heather to drive the agency forward in this next chapter.”
Emma will be responsible for the day to day running of Union Direct, managing the strategic direction and financial performance of the agency, alongside Gus Chalmers, Managing Director. Emma will also continue to oversee the account management department, including some of the agency’s biggest clients, such as Lloyds Banking Group, Scottish Widows and SNBTS.
Having joined Union Direct from Tangible in 2007, Emma has extensive B2B and B2C experience in multi-channel and multi-segment campaigns. Working across financial services, public sector, FMCG, trade, retail, leisure, tourism and charity, many of which are multi award winning. She was promoted to Client Services Director in 2018 and to the Union Direct board in 2021.
Emma is widely recognised for her management and leadership skills, helping build Union Direct to its present day position as Scotland’s leading customer engagement agency. She brings focus, energy and clarity to the agency.
Commenting on her new role, Emma is excited about what the future holds for Union Direct. “I feel the agency is at a pivotal point. We’ve grown our expertise over the last few years and the ten nominations Union Direct gained at this year’s Star Awards and Roses Awards are evidence of the strength and quality of our output. I think we occupy a unique space in the Scottish marketplace; no-one else has the specific set of skills and services we offer in customer engagement, content, CRM, direct and data marketing, as well as extensive experience in both B2C and B2B. I’m now looking forward to helping to take Union Direct to the next level.”
Gus Chalmers added: “Emma has always been a star, so this promotion is an entirely logical next step. She has the energy, ability and drive to help us reach our goals.”
Ian McAteer, Group Chairman, commenting on the double promotions, said: “How lucky are we to have Louise and Emma within the same organisation? They each have their own unique character and complementary skillsets; but what they have in common is their commitment, passion, drive and intelligence. They have helped make The Union Group a force to be reckoned with. Our ten medals at last week’s Marketing Society Scotland’s Star Awards is evidence of the quality we offer clients. These promotions are thoroughly deserved, and I’m delighted and proud to work with them as colleagues and fellow board directors.”
Notes:
- The Union was established in 1996 in Edinburgh.
- Today it is one of the UK’s leading regional agencies, with a reputation for excellence in creativity and service delivery.
- Turnover is c.£12 million p.a., with 85+ staff based in Edinburgh.
- The agency works for a wide range of blue-chip clients at a regional, UK and international level.
- The agency offers the full range of marketing communications services: advertising, branding, design, digital marketing, web design and build, field and partnership marketing, direct marketing, database marketing, as well as marketing planning and research.
- Agency has been named Marketing Society Scotland Agency of the Year 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2021.
- The agency is a shareholder in Worldwide Partners, the international agency network, with over 70 agencies in 50+ markets.
- The agency is independent, and managed by the working directors.
