People: Two new starters for Spreng & Co

MEDIA relations consultancy Spreng & Co, set up by former SMG group communications director Callum Spreng in 2008, has made two senior appointments.

After two years working for the firm on a consultancy basis, Debbie Johnston has been appointed as a director, joining the board. Johnston was previously head of communications for SMG.

Kirstin Stevenson is joining Spreng & Co as a senior consultant in July. She has worked as PR manager at STV for the past eight years and was previously media relations officer for communications regulator, Ofcom.

HBJ takes on family law expert

Family law expert Philippa Cunniff has been appointed as a partner in HBJ Gateley’s private client team.

She joined Turcan Connell in 2001 before becoming partner in 2006. She will join HBJ Gateley in May and head up the family law practice.

Glen Gilson, head of private client and financial services at HBJ Gateley, said: “Philippa is one of the best family lawyers in the market and her appointment as head of family law underlines our commitment to providing high-quality and client-focused family law advice.”

Thompson eyes up fresh targets

JOHN Thompson is to build new opportunities for national home improvement service Job Worth Doing.

Thompson has been appointed commercial director with a brief to take the brand into new markets, such as local government and social housing. He has worked for parent company My House Group for 20 years.

Job Worth Doing chief executive Ian Blackhurst said: “I’ve worked with John for a number of years and he has successfully driven growth and increased sales at other companies within the group.”