Best of Brand
Last week saw an evening of awards and jubilations for the marketing and communications contingent of the private wealth industry. In this coverage, Citywealth recaps the ceremony and speaks to a couple of the evening’s shining stars.
The Brand Management and Reputation Awards 2024
For over eight years, the Brand Management & Reputation Awards have recognised the best brands emerging in a consolidating financial industry. The Awards have highlighted the contributions of over a hundred marketing, business development and public relation professionals within the wealth management industry. The only one of its kind, the Awards recognise the teams who excel in supporting the business profit and navigate the reputational risk for their organisations seamlessly.
Following a multiple-month process of submissions, judging and decision making, the ceremony took place at private members’ club 12 Hay Hill. With natural light pouring in to the event space, and London’s skyline peeking through the windows, guests were received good vibes (and champagne!) on arrival. Canapes circulated as old friends caught up and new relationships were forged.
Citywealth CEO Karen Jones opened the award ceremony with an uber-relevant welcome speech on social media v.s. face-to-face meetings, using the upcoming general election as an appropriate illustration. Read Karen’s take-home messages on the topic here.
The evening’s host then took over the mic to begin the ceremony proper. Jake Lambert has been described as a “joke machine” by The Telegraph and has performed stand-up all over the world, supporting the likes of Michael McIntyre, Romesh Ranganathan, and Jack Dee. His style of non-stop, gag-filled storytelling has lead him to appear on the BBC, Comedy Central, and Dave. He has written for a number of TV shows, including The Royal Variety Performance, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Bake Off, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and more.
Bringing a brilliant energy to the stage, Jake seamlessly took the evening’s attendees through the Awards’ categories and their respective winners. His kind, jovial energy and genuine enthusiasm for each winner who shared the stage with him brought a smile to everyone’s faces, as well as the loudest cheers we’ve heard all year!
The energy kept going after the final award was announced, as our resident DJ turned up the tunes and the house lights switched into party mode. With more food circulating, drinks flowing, and a number of guests taking to a makeshift dancefloor, it was an undeniable recipe for a fantastic night. Thank you to all of our attendees for making the 2024 Awards such a fun and successful evening, and another big congratulations to all of our winners.
Want to be recognised for your achievements in the 2025 Awards? Register your interest to be informed when submissions open.
A few words with our winners
Following the Awards, Citywealth spoke to two of the evening’s winners for their insights on the industry, their careers, and their sage advice for others.
Estelle Bibby, Head of Marketing and Communications for Cazenove Capital, won Gold for Best Marketing and Communication Director. Tracey Rodgers, Head of Client Intelligence for Ogier, won Gold for Best CRM Individual.
In Karen’s opening speech, there seemed to be a clear consensus that social media is not the be all and end all of engagement. With unprecedented access to technology and the rise of AI, how do you keep that human touch to your work, and why do you think it’s so important?
Estelle Bibby: “I’m personally excited about the positive outcomes of AI and what can be created to help others. I enjoy social media but there’s nothing better than meeting people in person and getting to know them. Business is all about people and working with people you like and know well. I hope that never changes.”
Tracey Rodgers: “Technology and social media should be used as tools to enable better communication and relationship management, not replace it. Social media is a way to share thoughts with likeminded people, and technology allows relationships to develop over email and cumulating video calls or in person meetings which is the human connection. Location and distance is no longer the barrier it once was.”
What are the personal qualities you possess that you think have served you best in your career so far?
Estelle Bibby: “I think tenacity has been important in my career in PR and marketing. Being creative, trusting your instincts and making sure you know and understand people are also all key attributes to a long a fruitful career in any industry.”
Tracey Rodgers: “Perseverance, curiosity, and I always seem to get the ‘most improved’ so not the star player, but always learning and trying to be better.”
What would your advice be for someone in a similar role looking to pivot into the private wealth/financial services industry?
Estelle Bibby: “Firstly, do it! It’s a great industry, you’ll meet lots of wonderful people, and you will be warmly welcomed. Secondly, get networking and get to know people both in your company and the wider industry. The more you absorb your new environment the quicker you will understand it.”
Tracey Rodgers: “Look for where you can offer something different to your industry peers that would be of value. Demonstrate how your skill set can support relationship management which underlies business development within professional services.”
Building bridges: cross-border transactions
As the world globalises, conducting business can no longer be contained within one country. Citywealth speaks to experts on cross-border giving, taxation and US/UK wealth planning to understand the challenges faced by those building bridges for their cross-border clients.
Citywealth IFC insights: Italy & Greece
In this IFC update, Citywealth speaks with expert advisors from the Italian and Greek markets to ascertain the current landscape for UHNW individuals looking to diversify their options in these two ancient economies.