People
A diverse collective of creatives, planners, digital specialists, writers, influencers, publicists, designers, brand experts, media leaders, and corporate and social strategists.
Kirsty Leighton
Founder & Group CEO
Kirsty is the founder of Milk & Honey. She has over 25 years of experience in corporate brand PR and communications. Kirsty has a privileged view of the communications landscape, having held leadership positions in successful City and financial, technology, corporate and consumer agencies. She started Milk & Honey determined to put people first, creating a happy and healthy place to work. Where passion and creativity are prized. Where clients are celebrated. One where there is time to think, to go the extra mile. A land of opportunity, hence the name!
Becca Baker
Partner, Group Chief Financial Officer
Becca is keeper of the cash! A chartered accountant with a mathematics degree from University of Southampton. Becca has over 15 years’ experience in the media and entertainment industry before joining the board at Milk & Honey.
She plays a central role in directing the business. Keeping us on an upward growth trajectory whilst ensuring client’s budgets are treated with care. Ensuring we deliver the best possible return on investment.
Meilin Wong
Partner, CEO Singapore
Meilin is partner and CEO of Milk & Honey Singapore, the agency’s first office in Asia. She has a diverse career in building and implementing communications, marketing, GTM and commercial growth strategies that spans over 25 years.
She’s held organizational and functional leadership roles in agencies as well as large enterprises and startups across various industries, including Digital Wellbeing, HealthTech, EdTech and Payment.
Meilin is an actively advocate for an inclusive and equitable society, especially in the workplace. She’s currently on the Advisory Board of Live On Purpose, a privacy-by-design charity platform, and a Mentor at She Brilliance, a women empowerment movement.
Manuel Hüttl
Partner, CEO Germany
Manuel is a partner and CEO of Milk & Honey’s first office in Munich, Germany. He is a communications veteran, with almost 30 years’ experience across international agencies, advising C-suite executives and global organisations.
Thinking outside the box is pivotal to Manuel; he is driven by innovation to create cutting-edge campaigns that work. Manuel was elected to become an Executive Advisory Board member of the prestigious Cyberintelligence Institute. He is also an acting Board Member of the EICAR – The European Expert Group for IT-Security.
Father of two, Manuel has previously been a lecturer and has published a book about reputation management.
Kath Myers
Partner, UK Managing Director
Kath heads up Milk & Honey’s UK business, bringing more 20 years’ experience in integrated communications. She has led the development of commercially successful and award-winning campaigns that have been recognised by The PRCA Awards, EMEA Sabres and CIPR Awards.
Kath has worked in some of the UK’s top PR and marketing agencies, representing leading global brands, led pan-European communications and UK marketing while client-side, and has supported both big brands and start-ups as an independent consultant.
Her professional passions lie in helping brands and organisations to develop a credible role within the lives of their audiences and in delivering meaningful measurement with impact at the heart.
Outside of professional life, Kath enjoys a gentle run in a local park, gets joy from singing and dancing, and loves a good theatre show or musical.
Caroline Gruen
Partner, Client Service Director
Caroline heads up our B2B and client services. She started her multi-award winning PR career in 2009 in-house within the automotive industry before moving to central government, then to global agency Weber Shandwick.
Over the years Caroline has built up quite the awards cabinet, having been recognised in PRWeek’s 30 under 30 in 2016 and celebrated for her client campaigns along the way too. As a board director at the hive, she leads our client quality and measurement activity, ensuring every creative campaign has demonstrable business results.
Imogen Wallis
Partner, Digital
Imogen is a lover of all things social and SEO. Since kickstarting her career in digital marketing in 2015, she’s worked both agency and client side, bringing creativity and strategy together across a wide range of industries. Her first role as an account manager at a social media agency, saw her diving into content creation, copywriting and event coverage for clients ranging from fashion brands to confectionery giants.
Keen to try life in-house, Imogen then took on the challenge of leading marketing and PR at a luxury nightwear start-up. From PR coverage and social media management to online discovery and PPC, she rolled up her sleeves and got stuck into every corner of the business. Her first-class honours degree in marketing and advertising, paired with hands-on experience, has given her a deep understanding of client challenges and how to make the digital world work harder for brands.
In 2024, Imogen’s work was recognised on a global stage, being voted PRCA Digital Professional of the Year and named Davos’ Digital PR Expert of the Year.
Petrina Marks
Senior Executive Assistant
Petrina is a seasoned Executive Assistant with over 25 years of experience working with CEO’s and C-Suite executives. Like any top level EA, she can juggle a variety of projects and tasks, whilst keeping the board in check and is also a super talented baker. In 2023, Petrina was shortlisted for a PA of the Year award, honouring her dedication to her craft.
Having worked with Kirsty in a previous agency, the two work together in sync. Petrina is energetic, innovative and motivated with strong attention to detail. She keeps the office humming, occasionally fuelled by some fabulous edible creations.
Adam Toms
Head of Content
Adam has more than 20 years of communications experience in the public, charity and private sectors.
As head of content, Adam takes s complex subjects and translates them into a form that’s understandable, meaningful and interesting to relevant audiences. He has put words into the mouths of Lords, Ministers of State and blue-chip CEOs – and developed the full range of corporate communications collateral.
Before joining the hive, Adam led editorial at Genomics England, ran his own writing business, was head of communications at a national medical regulator, managed corporate communications within the NHS and has been at the sharp end of major national events such as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
Lewis Oakley
Senior Client Director, Head of Broadcast
As a Senior Client Director, Lewis drives commercial success, serving as a trusted advisor to clients while delivering strategic, results-driven campaigns, mentoring teams, and spearheading new business initiatives. He also serves as Head of Broadcast at Milk & Honey, overseeing the podcast division and media training.
Lewis predominantly works with international clients and has a lot of experience operating orchestra models, overseeing the activity of multiple PR hubs around the world.
Outside of the office, Lewis writes for publications such as Metro, HuffPost, and the Independent, co-hosts a leading podcast and is a published author. Since hosting his own Virgin Radio show, he has become a regular on TV screens, appearing on paper review shows and current affairs debates.
His accolades include being twice honoured on the Pride Power List and recognition as PRWeek’s ’30 under 30′ rising stars.
Sanjiv Winayak
Senior Client Director, Head of AI
A graduate in Astrophysics and Philosophy, Sanjiv has been working in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle PR since 2013. Passionate about data driven ideation Sanjiv brings an objective, measured and results driven approach to his work. Prior to joining Milk & Honey, Sanjiv worked with brands such as Teva and Planet Organic.
In his spare time, he cooks and plays tennis, with his aspirations in either field far outweighing his ability.
Ayehsa Kohli
Senior Client Director
Having donned a variety of roles over 20+ years, as a journalist, financial analyst, brand strategist, communications specialist, fashion entrepreneur, heritage crafts champion and sustainability advocate, Ayehsa knows that deep commitments and actions of purpose build and create impact across communities.
Patrizia Heun
Senior Client Director
Patrizia brings energy and a can-do attitude to Milk & Honey’s German office, which she’s helping to grow on the Munich grounds.
Her passion is telling great stories for clients in an innovative way and her outgoing personality has helped her to build strong relationships with Journalists in Germany and the UK.
With a degree in PR & advertising, Patrizia kicked-off her career in PR at The Hoffman Agency in London, which fostered her excitement for B2B tech. Over the years, she’s worked with several multinational clients in the tech sector and in various areas – from AI over semiconductors to telecommunications, 5G, e-commerce, and surveillance technologies.
In her spare time, you’ll find her on a sailing ship, learning how to play the Ukulele (which might still take some time) or travelling the world.
Hannah Williams
Digital Client Director
Working across social media, paid media, influencer marketing and digital strategy, Hannah brings a strategic yet creative lens to every brief – supporting both B2C and B2B clients with campaigns that deliver. She’s known for finding smart, tailored solutions rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, helping clients think beyond the obvious and push into new territory.
Since 2018, she has led award-winning digital work for global brands across fintech, lifestyle and consumer sectors, with international experience spanning the UK, Nordics, US and multiple European markets. Her strengths lie in joining the dots between channels, markets and audiences – delivering ideas that resonate across platforms and cultures.
Richard Bagnall - FCIPR, FPRCA, FAMEC
Non Executive Director
Richard is a global leader in PR and communications measurement and evaluation, with over 30 years’ experience building companies and advising international clients. He has led several of the world’s outstanding media intelligence and communications evaluation businesses, including Metrica, Gorkana, PRIME Research, and CARMA. Richard now leverages this extensive experience at CommsClarity Consulting which he co-founded.
He has been highly involved with global media intelligence professional association AMEC since its inception in 1996, leading the organization as its Chair for six years across three terms of office.
Claire Lematta
Group Non-Executive Director
An exceptional global leader, Claire sits external to the business and advised the board on growth and culture. Claire is an experienced communications consultant and leader for business and not for profit organizations. Skilled in fundraising, global communications, corporate and internal communications, organizational development. Expert in decision making and alignment strategies for networked organizations. Claire also holds a masters in in Organisational Development and Leadership.
“It isn’t often in life when the exactly right opportunity presents itself at the right time, that fits one’s experience and expertise while appealing to deeply held values. The chance to work with Milk & Honey in this role is pretty much that—an opportunity to support a business that I believe in profoundly with people I really respect and enjoy.”
Ruth Chew
Senior Consultant
With over 20 years in marketing communications, Ruth actually began her career as lifestyle journalist for leading women’s titles such as Harper’s Bazaar, then moved into fashion retail PR, overseeing brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Calvin Klein Jeans. Ruth later focused on luxury fashion communications for Celine, Givenchy, and Gucci.
In 2015, she transitioned to e-commerce and corporate work, leading PR teams at Expedia Asia and the PR for Singapore’s inaugural Michelin Guide Awards in 2016. More recently, she has consulted for brands like Audible, Bang & Olufsen, Pernod Ricard and Piaget.
Passionate about women’s issues, Ruth advocates for women’s rights, health, and mental well-being.
Claire Soutar
Senior Learning & Development Consultant
Claire joins us at Group level to develop and deliver our Hive Academy programme of leadership and management development. MCIPD qualified, with over 15 years experience, Claire Soutar has worked alongside teams and executives across multiple sectors including FMCG, Communications, Financial Services, Charity and Recruitment.
A Business Consultant and Leadership and Management Trainer, Claire helps business leaders and teams develop robust, commercially focused people agendas that drive growth and change. Her approach is honest, pragmatic, curious and fun. Claire gets to the heart of any business issue and delivers practical solutions. In addition to the above, Claire is also an experienced Executive Coach and Insights Discovery Practitioner.
Lola Carter
Senior Client Manager
Lola is driven by a desire to help purpose-driven organisations shake up the status quo.
Lola graduated from the University of Sussex with a first-class Psychology degree in 2021. Shortly after, she kicked off her career and has since gained experience in delivering insight-driven campaigns for a variety of consumer, B2B and not-for-profit clients.
Naturally inquisitive and passionate about developing meaningful and long-lasting relationships, Lola is fascinated by great comms and how it can influence consumer behaviour.
Outside of working hours, you’ll find her experimenting with extravagant vegan recipes in the kitchen and exploring her new stomping ground of SW London.
Marc Cichon
Senior Client Manager
Marc is working remotely from Glasgow for the Munich office.
After graduating in 2019, he worked for agencies in Düsseldorf and Berlin, gaining experience in different industries and sectors in corporate, consumer and political communication. He then decided to move to Scotland, his second home country, joining us after completing a Masters degree in Strategic Communication and freelancing for a while. His pragmatism and eagerness to connect with people has helped him build strong campaigns for different clients.
Apart from nerding out over PR and comms, Marc loves to spend time in nature, conquering mountains, reading and cooking.
Emma Weeks
Client Manager
Emma is a specialist in B2B communications, with a particular interest in PR for the film and television sector.
She graduated with First Class Honours in BA English and Media in 2020, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Multimedia Communications in 2021.
When she’s not working, you can usually find her playing video games or Dungeons & Dragons. But if the UK weather permits, she’s quick to head to the hills for a hiking trip.
Jack Mullen
Group Finance Manager
Jack joins the team with his analytical eye to bring the numbers to life. An accountant by trade and a self-professed lover of all things numerical, he provides insightful data to the team to keep things on the right track. Beyond just the numbers, Jack oversees the finance functions of the Milk & Honey PR Group.
Outside of the office, you’ll find him doing all things football and finding the best pint to watch a match with.
Oliver Henn
Digital Client Manager
Oliver develops comprehensive content strategies across the digital landscape, managing the complete content lifecycle from strategic planning and audience research through creation and performance analysis. With a foundation in the arts, he excels and enjoys translating creative vision into measurable digital success.
When Oliver isn’t creating digital solutions, he’s cooking up a storm, cheering on his favourite sports teams (go Yankees), or looking after Willow, his energetic Hungarian Vizsla.
Maya Seth
Senior Client Executive
Maya studied a BA in Design at Goldsmiths University before joining the hive. She has worked with Milk & Honey’s Partner Bees & Refugees since September 2022, supporting them with marketing, digital strategy, social media and more.
Maya’s previous work has had a strong set of values at its heart, which she is excited to continue with Milk & Honey. Outside the office, you will find Maya swimming in the sea, listening to live jazz or travelling to explore new cultures and cuisines.
Leon Schiefer
Senior Client Executive
Leon holds a master’s degree in political science from LMU Munich and brings experience across public relations, corporate communications, and stakeholder management. Before joining Milk & Honey, he worked at Deutsche Bahn as part of the communications team for a major infrastructure project, where he focused on internal and external communications as well as stakeholder management. Earlier in his career, he gained international experience at the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he took on wide-ranging PR responsibilities.
Passionate about storytelling and digital culture, Leon enjoys crafting engaging narratives and navigating the intersection of media, culture, and social impact. Beyond work, he’s an avid basketball player, outdoor enthusiast, and music lover with a creative background in Hip-Hop production. His curiosity for new perspectives often takes him traveling with an analogue camera always in hand.
Lisa Hüttl
Assistant to CEO Germany
It’s all a question of organisation!
After a career in the fashion industry, where she spent time in Milan studying the rich and beautiful, and several years of expertise in family management, Lisa knows what it takes to keep a diverse company with different characters running. Communication is at the top of the list.
And because food keeps body and soul together, after work she likes to cook, invite people over and spend time together!
By the way: even though Lisa has now found happiness in Bavaria, her hometown Cologne is always in her heart. And anyone who needs tips because a trip will take them there can get in touch at any time!
Havana Frakes
Client Executive
With an undergraduate degree in International Relations and Philosophy from the University of St. Andrews and a Masters of Science in International, Social, and Public Policy from the London School of Economics, Havana cares deeply about people and policy. She has experience in government, public affairs, and nonprofit organisations. Havana is passionate about social impact and helping organisations maximise their benefit to society through powerful messaging and ESG.
Outside of the office, she loves baking, exploring, and seeing friends.
