Weightmans welcomes new Non-Executive Director

National law firm Weightmans has appointed media industry expert Linda Smith to its board as Non-Executive Director.

Linda has held roles within the B2C and B2B industries across global brands, such as media conglomerates Centaur Media PLC and Bauer Media. She has over 20 years’ operational experience at Board and C-Suite level as Director, CEO and Chairman, overseeing dramatic change during her time at the organisations she has worked, particularly within the digital and innovation space.

Linda is currently a senior consultant for TAG Global Production and Sourcing Partners, EMEA. Prior to that, she spent four years as Chief Operating Officer at Centaur. In this time, Linda helped the organisation make great strides in tech development, data management, research and analytics, shifting the strategy of the business to embrace new and exciting ways of working and gathering crucial insights.

Linda’s experience of the industry is from both owner and agency side, having previously been the CEO of Publicis media brands Starcom and MediaVest, where she achieved record eight figure business wins and award-winning campaigns.

Linda is also an experienced coach and a member of Women in Advertising and Communications, London (WACL), an invite-only, industry networking organisation for the most senior female leaders in marketing and communications, where she mentors women in the industry and works with fellow members to push for diversity, equality and inclusion.

She said:

“It’s no secret that the future of business lies within the development of technology and the use of data and analytics with the balance of intellectual expertise, to really give clients and customers what they need, faster than ever before. I think it’s really interesting how Weightmans has not only embraced this, but also successfully combined it with the upskilling of their people and the relationships they have fostered with academic minds across the UK.

“The firm’s work regarding artificial intelligence, understanding where it can help accelerate the business and provide a point of difference – as well as helping clients – really sets them apart from their competitors.

“In addition, their approach to flexible and agile working, fostering an environment of respect and approachability, and commitment to training their staff to constantly improve satisfaction and productivity, it’s clear that Weightmans is working hard to futureproof its business, and it is great to join them on this journey.”

Linda replaces NED Alison Littley, who will be retiring by rotation after more than six successful years on Weightmans board.

Managing Partner John Schorah said:

“Our Non-Executive Directors play a vital role in our governance and add tremendous value to board effectiveness. Linda is a welcome addition to our board. At Weightmans, we have worked hard to embrace and nurture innovation and enterprise. Linda’s experience, vision for the future and commitment to making a difference both commercial and culturally makes her a great fit for us. We are delighted to have her on board as we continue our digital revolution.

“I would also like to thank Alison for all of her guidance , valuable insight and support over the last six years, Weightmans has evolved so much in that time and it is thanks to trusted advisors such as Alison that we are consistently evolving as a business and an organisation."