SHIFT Active Media, ‘the award-winning international cycling marketing agency’, has welcomed Tom Foy to its team in the newly-created Head of PR role.
Joining SHIFT today as part of the agency’s Senior Management Team, the company notes that Tom is a highly skilled PR Director with nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry.
Until last summer he was heading up the sports practice of leading global PR agency Weber Shandwick, activating ExxonMobil’s worldwide sponsorships including Red Bull Formula One. Prior to this he held key positions at other blue chip agencies such as Edelman, WPP and Freuds, with a focus on sport and entertainment brands.
Tom started his career in journalism and also spent two years in the USA – running media activities for Aston Martin and other premium automotive OEMs. A long-time dedicated cyclist, more recently he has been consulting at cycling agency Freeride.
At SHIFT Active Media he will be leading on the UCI Track Champions League, GCN+ and Fizik accounts, as well as overseeing the strategy and direction of the whole PR department.
Tom Foy said “I have been following the rapid growth of SHIFT for some time, so when the opportunity arose to join the leadership team it felt like a natural next step.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the role is the potential to integrate with the agency’s industry-leading expertise across content, creative and strategy to deliver highly impactful, insight-led PR that truly connects clients with their audiences. With a deep-rooted passion for bikes, I’m greatly looking forward to joining the group and playing a role in its continued rise at the forefront of cycling communications.”
Tom will be joining a team of five other PR professionals who support a large range of brands in the industry spanning MTB, road, triathlon and urban/commuter cycling – delivering press office, product launches, event activation and influencer marketing.
Wayne Brown, Managing Director at SHIFT Active Media said “We’ve been aware of Tom for a while. He stood out because of his formidable PR credentials and deep love of cycling, so we’re delighted that he’s now finally joining our team. I am greatly looking forward to seeing the impact Tom will bring to the PR at SHIFT in this new leadership role.”
In addition to Tom, SHIFT has also secured new hires to other areas of the business: Hannah Freestone, Account Director and Joe Heywood, Strategist.
Hannah has 16 years’ experience working in marketing, PR and creative agencies, from London agencies to a start-up business. She brings B2B and B2C experience from the likes of Tesco, Dulux, Rugby World Cup, Unilever, RAC and Boots. She is a keen mountain-biker, enjoying cross-country, downhill riding and bike parks.
Joe brings a variety of experience to the Strategy & Research team including copywriting, SEO and social media. His previous agency role saw him provide comms plans and campaign strategies for automotive brands such as Toyota, BMW and Rolls Royce.
