The team
Each individual in MPAD is a talented creative with specialist skills in every area of marketing and communications. From campaigning, strategy, and media relations, to content, branding and design.
Because we’re serious about the issues you care about, we all get out of bed to make the world a better place. We have the experience and insight to ensure MPAD has a positive impact on everything we touch.
-
Simon Thomason
Business Development Manager
Simon is our new business wizard. With a pioneering glamping business under his belt, his talent lies in establishing new services and clients in and around the sustainable, charity and education sectors. Simon now has 18 years agency experience and works closely with the team to develop new opportunities, often appearing at a moments notice to dispense his business and marketing wisdom. When not on the hunt for new clients he can be found taking part in the latest ultramarathon, catching some waves or being devoted dad to his two children. Also known as Frenchie, Simon is loved for his determination to deliver campaigns with impact and his ability to be both business egghead and innovative thinker.
-
Rachel Picken
Associate Account Director
Rachel is a warm business leader and knowledgeable campaigner for your cause. She worked as a Business Editor before moving to the dark side to a career in public relations and marketing. With a lengthy track record in media relations and crisis communications, she frequently heads-up strategy for charity clients, and has worked on numerous campaigns in the sector with great impact. Not only that, she drives MPAD’s own growth, succeeding in 26% growth in 2013. Rachel is an influential committee member in several groups, and is passionate about the South West of the UK and the third sector. Also known as Miss Maverick, Rachel is loved for her unequivocal backbone, breaking through barriers, and inspirational storytelling.
-
Mark Picken
Creative Director
Mark is our no nonsense agency super boss. Once upon a time he was partying like it was 1999 after graduating from Advertising in Falmouth. From his office under the stairs, he launched the then ‘Mark Picken Advertising and Design’, with help from The Princes Trust. Thirteen years later, a veteran of the business world throughout the South West, Mark is a respected mentor, trainer, creative copywriter and strategist. He leads on MPAD’s media training and sustainability commitment and has recycled an entire hippo in weight of office waste. When he’s not lighting the touch paper for your campaign, Mark is running the New York marathon or ferrying round his beautiful daughters. Also known as The Nice Guy, Mark is loved for his high-octane creativity, business acumen and stamina.
-
Julie Dearden
Project Manager
Julie will oversee your campaign and keep everything running smoothly and on schedule. Her background in the green and renewables sector means she’s passionate about customer service and efficiency savings. Leading as Quality Manager for MPAD, Julie is a hands-on problem solving extraordinaire. When she’s not coordinating a major operation, she’s doing DIY, cooking something delicious or dog-walking on Cornwall’s beautiful beaches. Also known as The Hug, Julie is loved for her attention to detail, getting the job done, and supplying us all with chocolate and hugs.
