The Chalk &
Ward family.

Trained whilst working at top London agencies and with over 30 years in the industry, Robert has a wealth of strategic knowledge across B2B and B2C markets.

A big picture thinker, his strong ability to seek out commercial opportunities for clients, mixed with his wide strategic thinking across all areas, is highly valued by clients. He challenges thinking and says it straight – if he doesn’t think it will work, he’d prefer to tell the client not to do it rather than take the money.

Robert knows it’s important to be brave with marketing – being good simply isn’t good enough. This genuine, honest and trustworthy approach has become the linchpin of the agency’s ethos – something we’re all very proud of.

Q. What is the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

Every day is genuinely interesting. I love working with different client businesses and sectors, understanding their needs, market dynamics and helping them grow. It’s such a kick to see what we do directly affect their success. I also get so much personal satisfaction from seeing staff develop and grow both personally and professionally. I’ve seen so much of it over the years and it never ceases to give me a warm sense of pride, that I might have had a small part to play in their personal growth.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I’m pretty active cycling 40 to 80 miles a week and playing racketball 3 or 4 times as well, so I like to maintain my fitness. The rest of the time is spent with my lovely wife, tasting nice wines, chilling and walking our dog. Back in 2013 I put my marketing skills to my own use for once! My wife and I (with help from the Agency, of course) set up an online retail business called and selling ‘Rare & Antique Books’. Not only is it doing quite well but I also get to hold many beautiful, very old and highly valuable pieces of history.

Gemma has over 20 years’ experience in brand strategy and growing clients’ businesses.  She came to Chalk & Ward following a successful career in Leo Burnett London as a strategic branding specialist, as well as running her own Brand Consultancy business.

She is an exceptionally strong strategic thinker and respected for her ability to approach problems objectively, challenge the norm and develop brand strategies that succeed for clients. She also developed the Chalk & Ward proprietary ‘Core Values’ branding system, proven to help create strategically powerful brands that resonate with target audiences.

Gemma joined the board of Directors in 2021 and is passionate about growing the business whilst continuing to maintain the genuine and collaborative ethos which is at the heart of everything we do.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

What brought me to Chalk & Ward was the high level of strategic thinking as they were the only agency in Exeter who were doing it properly and to the same standard I had always been used to and what has kept me here since 2012 is the people. One of our own Core Values is ‘Genuine’ and it’s such an important one because it is the ethos of how we are with our clients and each other – I look forward to coming in to work every day which is great thing!

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I have two young girls so I have limited free time outside of work!  I have always loved reading so when I’m not running around like a headless chicken, I do manage to get in some reading time which can sometimes be my kindle propped up whilst I’m cooking dinner! I used to be an amateur dramatics performer so love going to the theatre, the cinema or going out for dinner and drinks with friends and family, usually with a glass of wine or two.

Alister has been with Chalk + Ward since 1999 and has over 20 years’ experience working with some of the South West’s leading national and international brands, including P&O Cruises, WKD, Wiltshire Farm Foods, Mole Valley Farmers, Co-op, Age UK, Enterprise Inns, Michael Caines, Hunter Stoves, and DS Smith.

A strategic creative, who is both commercially perceptive and a conceptual thinker, Alister recognises the value that strong creative is imperative to a brands success. An offline and online creative branding specialist, Alister leads the creative team across all of the agency’s clients.

Alister joined the board of Directors in 2018 and has nurtured a collaborative approach between teams, ensuring every creative project delivers dynamism and is the absolute best it can possibly be.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

After nearly 25 years working for Chalk & Ward, I believe the best thing are our people. Yes, people move on and new people join, but over the years we have paid close attention to ensure we employ good people, genuine people who want the best for our clients and most of all, enjoy what they do. This pays dividends to our clients, because they benefit from the high standards we set.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I am married with two girls, so I have become the taxi driver every parent promises themselves they won’t be. When I escape I usually grab my bike and head out for a ride round the backroads of Devon or I can be found watching football, rugby, cycling, F1 or any other sport I can find on the TV! I’m also a massive music lover, so I’m always up for a live gig and a beer!

Lisa started working for the agency in 2005 and was invited to join the Board in 2017. She is strategically astute and comfortable challenging clients at a very senior level. She has a genuine passion, enthusiasm and energy to grow our clients’ businesses, so objective and constructive strategic thinking come naturally to her, always with their best interests in mind. She’s certainly no wall flower, something that’s also genuinely valued by clients.

A particular strength of Lisa’s is her knowledge and expertise in both retail marketing and media. With over 15 years of know how under her belt, she’s a market leading expert in retail planning and customer profiling and has managed multiple, national consumer campaigns and branding projects.

As much as she is passionate about clients, she also has a tireless passion when it comes to agency culture and is an ambassador for driving wellbeing and positive change within the business.

Q.What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

We are so priviledged to have such an awesome, talented team, they all love a challenge and always deliver a first class service. I am immensely proud of them and how they represent our business so well. I also love how we’re a dynamic team, everybody understands the importance of strategic thinking and commerciality. And everybody has the confidence to ask “why” we’re doing something – they’re always thinking outside the box and always in the client’s best interest.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I like to be outdoors as much as possible. Walking, paddleboarding, surfing – whatever, just being in green space grounds me! I also enjoy gardening, it’s so rewarding and I feel a massive sense of achievement when somebody comments on how nice my garden is! Cooking is also a way I like to be mindful, although baking is not for me – my bake usually ends up with a soggy bottom!

As Head of Digital, Greig leads the digital marketing team. He implements all SEO, PPC, manages Social Media, Content Creation, Keyword Optimisation and E-Marketing, as well as overseeing the web development team.

Above all, Greig ensures that we create and deliver campaigns and strategies that generate positive results for our clients and is widely respected for his deep knowledge. He’s passionate about analytical data and measurement and a PPC/Keyword and SEO specialist.

Digital is a continuously changing environment and he takes pride in keeping up-to-date with the latest developments, trends and tools to ensure we are offering the best service at all times. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Google AdWords/Analytics certified.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

The people. They are always happy to help, go above and beyond when needed, but more importantly – provide a great work culture.  

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

Anything outdoors, but my partner is a travel writer and hotel reviewer, so most weekends we are away exploring somewhere new in Cornwall and the South West.

As the Websites Manager, Paddy works alongside clients to lead them through the implementation of their digital marketing and website needs.

Paddy joined the team at Chalk & Ward in 2021 having previously worked for the military and NHS.

He is meticulous when it comes to detail and keeping projects on budget and to deadline – which comes in particularly handy when juggling multiple web builds!

You may occasionally spot him in uniform on a Wednesday as he is a reservist for the Royal Navy.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

Our team. Pure and simple – if I get on well with the people I work with then I am able to do my best work. I have the pleasure of working with such a talented group, that I not only enjoy working with but also enjoy spending time with outside of work.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

When the weather allows,  I love to be out on the water – whether paddleboarding, sailing or even just a bit or paddling in the (always cold!) water. I also enjoy playing golf and riding my road bike with friends. All roads normally lead to the pub though!

Emily is our Mid-Weight Graphic Designer, who is passionate about storytelling. With a varied skillset including experience in print, digital, illustration, photography and motion graphics.

Creativity has always been a part of Emily’s life. After studying Graphic Communication with Typography and specialising in branding at Plymouth University, Emily has worked both in-house and in agency roles, including working for an architectural CGI company where she was a brand and property marketing specialist. 

With experience in many sectors, including healthcare, property and construction and the charity sector, Emily is able to adapt her style to meet every client’s needs.

What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

For me it is important to feel valued and work in an agency that has a culture and values that align with me. From day one I felt so welcome here. I like that we all work together on projects and that the communication between each individual and team is great.  Another part I like is the variety of work, no day is ever the same and I am constantly able to learn and evolve the way I design things for our clients. 

What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I love to be by the sea! if it’s not too cold I’ll venture in for a cold-water dip, with a trip to a café afterwards to warm up! I like to go to the gym a few times a week, I’ll either do a class or weight training. It just makes you feel great afterwards (even if you are really tired!)  Whenever we can my boyfriend and I try to go to gigs – it can be anything from indie pop music to rock – and we always try and go to a fun new place to eat before the gig too, which makes it even better!

Lauren started working at Chalk and Ward in 2022 as an Account Manager, managing clients and supporting directors.

Previously Lauren has worked for a tech company specialising in utility solutions, as the Marketing Manager and within the charity sector as a Community Fundraising Officer for both a local hospice and national charities.

Lauren is particularly looking forward to developing her skills in both branding and strategic thinking and working collaboratively across all departments, enjoying the creative buzz at Chalk and Ward.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

The best thing about being at Chalk & Ward is the variety of work, which exposes me to diverse marketing activities across different industries. Equally, the genuine and friendly nature of my colleagues and the camaraderie in the office make every day enjoyable and fulfilling.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I’m Devon born and bred and I love to enjoy everything it has to offer, whether it’s dog walks followed by Sunday lunch at a country pub or enjoying a day at one of the many beautiful beaches in South Devon. I also love curling up on the sofa with a book, gardening (when British weather allows!) and cooking for my friends and family.

As our SEO specialist, Luka is an integral part of our dynamic digital team, bringing her creative ideas and energy to the mix.

Collaborating with our clients, Luka improves their search appearance by monitoring, auditing, and implementing optimisation improvements.

She also undertakes competitor research to provide relevant industry insight.

Luka has the belief that much can be learned from every type of website, whether big or small! She has extensive agency experience both in London and the Westcountry and has serviced some of the largest retail websites in the UK.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

We all took an Enneagram test (just for LOL’s and a bit of self-discovery). Everyone across the business got varying results and as an agency, we managed to cover the whole personality spectrum! I love this! So many agencies are full of the same types of people but in reality, it takes all types to build a real team of dreams.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I love to hang out with my family, be in nature (as a much needed antidote to work screens!), lift weights and watch movies. I’m also a huge podcast fan and am fascinated by true crime… but only the high-brow stuff of course!

A dynamic and results-orientated digital marketing executive with a passion for driving online success.

Brendan’s experience spans across various facets of digital marketing including SEO, social media engagement, content creation and performance analytics. He also specialises in email marketing and has recently obtained his Mailchimp certification. His commitment to staying ahead of the curve in digital marketing, combined with his innovative thinking makes him a great asset to our team and the clients he works with.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

Joining Chalk & Ward has been an enriching journey. I’ve had the privilege of working with an array of diverse clients, delving into the ins and outs of various business sectors. Our team thrives on challenges, and support is always available, making the most formidable tasks achievable. I think what sets Chalk & Ward apart is their dedication to collaboration and innovation. Whether we’re brainstorming within the office or seeking fresh inspiration outdoors, the atmosphere promotes the exchange of ideas and nurturing our growth. Being part of a company at the forefront of industry trends and innovations is exhilarating. This dynamic, forward-facing environment is what I cherish most about working here.  

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

My spare time during the week consists of studying further and sustaining my ever-growing collection of plants. Having moved to England later in life from South Africa, there is still much for me to see and explore here. My weekends involve spending time with my family and going on adventures to discover new picturesque landscapes in and around Devon. Wild swimming in Dartmoor has become my latest favorite pastime, although the water could be a little warmer. 

Laura has worked in the media since 2006, training and working as a senior reporter on daily newspapers across the South West. She then moved into copywriting and PR and has extensive experience as a writer, content planner, and contributing editor for magazines. She is also a published childrens author!

Laura has worked with a range of clients including,financial services, luxury travel, healthcare and retail, and charities including ShelterBox and Oxfam. She is also a crisis communications specialist, helping to control the narrative and media coverage to limit reputational damage for several high profile clients.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

I really enjoy working with the team at Chalk & Ward – everyone’s committed, skilled and fun to be around. We work in a collaborative way, so it means everyone brings something different to the table – sometimes that includes biscuits! Having flexibility around my working life is a plus point too because I have a busy family life. I also enjoy the variety of work I get to do for different clients from care homeowners to architects.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

I have three children, so a lot of my time outside of work is spent looking after them! I like to be active, so I often go out on my bike with my children and our dog, armed with a pocket full of Jellybeans to keep moral up. I am a fan of Pilates and more recently, Pvolve. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I also enjoy settling down to read a book.

Kathryn has extensive and varied experience in the media – as a journalist, broadcaster, PR consultant and media trainer.

Kathryn is a specialist in crisis communications and media training. Before joining Chalk + Ward, she worked with organisations of all sizes and in all sectors across the UK and in Europe. She has worked with international pharmaceutical manufacturers, Brend Hotels, British Gas, Oxford Brookes University, Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts, and Drake’s Circus shopping centre in Plymouth.

After training in local newspapers in Devon, Kathryn worked at the BBC, Independent Radio News and ITN.  She is passionate about story-telling and creating media opportunities for Chalk + Ward’s diverse portfolio of clients.

Q.What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

I enjoy working at Chalk & Ward because not only is it a highly creative place, there is also a real culture of kindness in the business. Team members look after each other and are supportive with both workloads and wellbeing. There is always something to learn – and someone to talk to.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time by the sea in my beach hut, practising yoga and baking.

An accounts and administration specialist, Linda has been ‘handling the money’ for the agency since the very early days. She has an eye for numerical detail and a level of dedication that’s valued both here and by our clients, who find her friendly and helpful approach a pleasure to deal with.

To quote our accountant, “Linda is dedicated, committed and a joy to work with. As a long-serving member of Chalk + Ward’s team she represents the true warm heart of the Agency”.

Q. What’s the best thing about being at Chalk & Ward?

For me, the best thing is definitely the people here at Chalk & Ward, who are both lovely and talented with a can do attitude. I also appreciate the managements approach to flexible working and how we are trusted to just get on with our jobs – it provides us with a really nice and relaxed enironment to work in.

Q. What do you like to get up to outside the agency?

Outside of the agency I like to walk, dance and generally keep fit. I also enjoy reading and meeting up with friends and family. And I love holiday’s in hot sunny places!

Gary is a graduate of the Plymouth of Art & Design and has over 18 years experience working in various creative roles during this time.

He started his career as a traditional graphic designer working on publications and design for printed media but soon became fascinated by digital media and made the move to specialise in web design and front-end development.

As our web design consultant, he advises on all things related to website and mobile design.

With 18 years in the industry and 13 of those working at Chalk + Ward, what Clayton doesn’t know about branding and design is probably not worth knowing.

He’s designed for print, advertising, packaging, direct marketing and integrated work for a number of large brands including BP, Castrol, Wrigleys, Mole Valley Farmers, Café Royal, WKD, Princess Cruises, and P&O Cruises.

He is an expert in brand design – creating successful identities for numerous clients – and in retail, where his knowledge of all retail design elements are market leading.

Rebecca has over 30 years experience in the media industry, with 20 of those years living the media dream in London. There isn’t a title online, in print or on air that she hasn’t cracked and always relishes a challenge. With an exemplary industry reputation, Rebecca is everyone’s ‘go to’ when they need to deliver quantifiable ROI. Her understanding of brand needs, and her ability to deliver real results in a challenging market give her the essential edge needed to impress clients.

Rebecca is able to secure premium, editorially endorsed space across print, on line and on air, which brands use to amplify their brand message with vital added benefits of data capture, customer engagement and increased sales. Rebecca tells it like it is and only advises clients to engage in activity that she believes will deliver the results they want. Still working two days a week in London, Rebecca works with some of the best loved brands and biggest names including Phase Eight, Neutradol, Amazon, Boden and Sky.

From the initial idea to the final full stop, Lara is a copywriter who works in wonderful words to bring out the best in every brand.

She has over 10 years’ experience in tone of voice creation and strategic copywriting, including for Coca-Cola, Ericsson, Nestlé, Revlon, and TSB.