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A team you can trust

Meet the team

Our perfectly formed team is one that you can always rely on to deliver results.

Together, we’re PR, social media, and marketing experts. We’re journalists, writers, and creative thinkers. At our core, we are storytellers, with diverse backgrounds and decades of combined experience creating compelling, relatable, and effective content that connects with a wide range of audiences.

We take time to understand how our clients operate and what their objectives are – and we love what we do. Our passion for the work we produce is reflected in the results we achieve. It’s not just about completing tasks; it’s about forging connections, driving results, and ultimately, making a positive impact on our clients’ businesses.

Outside of work, we’re hikers, TV bingers, readers and runners. Amongst our ranks, we have film critics, volunteers and retired dancers. We are a mix of personalities that work together to deliver for clients during working hours – and enjoy each other’s company at our quarterly social events.

Get to know each of us below and follow us on our LinkedIn page to see updates and highlights from the
Nielsen McAllister team.

Bob Bushby

Chairman

With nearly 40 years’ PR experience, Bob is a true industry expert. Having worked both in-house (for companies such as Grants of St James’s) and for agencies (including Kingsway PR, which became part of Saatchi and Saatchi), he has implemented many PR campaigns for clients ranging from Nestlé to Tarmac.

Since founding Nielsen McAllister in 1990, Bob has established an enviable list of contacts. He has gained particular respect in the packaging and associated media, and is very proud to have retained his first two clients to this day.

Outside the office Bob formerly enjoyed treading the boards in AmDram, but since putting away the greasepaint he has become a regular gym goer and also taken up running at an advanced age, completing a number of 10k races, despite his creaking knees.

 

Follow Bob on LinkedIn

Rory Hay

Digital Marketing Apprentice

Having studied Digital Multi-Media for over a year at Derby College, Rory has joined us as our latest digital marketing apprentice, applying his knowledge and creative thinking to Nielsen McAllister.  

Rory prides himself on loyalty, hard work, and dedication, qualities that once helped him compete internationally as an Irish dancer and which still shine through in his day-to-day work.  With a big interest in marketing, design, and content creation, Rory adds great strength to the digital team. 

Outside of work, Rory enjoys watching Derby County play and spending time with his family and friends. His main passion, however, is listening to music. Recently, he’s been trying his hand at playing the guitar – but claims to be a long way off the O2. 

 

Follow Rory on LinkedIn

Rhiannon Hopper

Account Manager

Having earned her degree in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of Warwick, Rhiannon brings her creative thinking to Nielsen McAllister.

With an interest in content curation and communications, Rhiannon supports clients to generate positive publicity and enhance their reputations.

When not knee deep in clients’ PR and social media, Rhiannon can be found shamelessly binge-watching crime dramas, sipping on a cocktail with friends or organising her next trip abroad. Any recommended travel destinations, please send her way!

 

Follow Rhiannon on LinkedIn

Simon Kinnear

Director

With twenty years’ experience in B2B PR and marcomms, Simon has a strong grasp of a good story and how to weave the right words to make clients’ messages come to life.

Simon actually began his agency life here at Nielsen McAllister, before joining some of the biggest full-service agencies in the Midlands. He returns with extensive experience managing multi-disciplinary teams that have delivered high-impact campaigns – combining PR, social media and digital marketing – for major international names in construction and manufacturing.

Outside of work, Simon moonlights as a freelance film critic and regular contributor to Total Film. He’s lost track of how many streaming subscriptions he now pays for.

 

Follow Simon on LinkedIn

Mitchell Lakin

Account Executive

After graduating with a master’s in Publishing at the University of Derby and gaining a year’s experience marketing in the automotive sector, Mitchell brings his business-to-business  skills to Nielsen McAllister.  

Mitchell has a strong command of written language and an ability to craft copy for a variety of channels. With a degree in English Language and Creative Writing, he is as passionate about the nitty gritty of grammar as he is telling a well-written story. 

Outside of work, Mitchell can either be found sparring as a kickboxer or writing his fantasy novels alongside a very good cup of coffee. 

 

Follow Mitchell on LinkedIn

Wendy Roberts

Senior Consultant

With over 34 years’ working as a journalist, Wendy has been trusted by thousands of people to share their exclusive stories in local and regional press.

She’s a former magazine editor and features writer and watched her heart-warming and unique stories fill pages in the UK tabloids.

Wendy’s words travelled the world! Once, she spotted her by-line in the New York Times!

In recent years, she has moved into the dynamic world of PR and has been supporting local businesses to share their news, build reputation and gain greater profile. Again, she has loved bringing people together to celebrate their successes.

Outside of work, family means everything to Wendy. She’s married to Simon and they have two sons, Joe and Ted, and a little dog called Otty.

 

Follow Wendy on LinkedIn

Tom Starkey

Account Executive

With a degree in Creative Writing and Publishing from the University of Derby, Tom brings a passion for storytelling and communication to the role of Account Executive at Nielsen McAllister. Alongside his studies, Tom worked at the University of Derby as a Support Officer, fielding its GDPR queries — a field that required professional communication and an eye for detail.

In his role, Tom combines his experience in fast-paced work environments with a determination to provide creative and unique PR — helping his clients’ messages stand out at the right moment.

In his spare time, Tom runs a weekly Dungeons & Dragons session, loves to playing video games and painting Warhammer figures. (He’ll happily talk about these at length, but please, don’t get him started!)

 

Follow Tom on LinkedIn

Alona Vvedenska

Account & Content Support Executive

Moving to England with her son to escape the war in Ukraine, Alona provides Nielsen McAllister with years of experience in the media, both as a journalist and in-house PR manager.

From interviewing celebrities to developing a Mother and Child Health Programme and managing opening events – Alona’s ability to turn her hand to everything, and joy of words, is helping build our clients’ profiles.

Outside of work she enjoys reading, watching great movies and is currently writing a book. And if you ask nicely, she may also cook you some borsch!

 

Follow Alona on LinkedIn

Simon Wildash

Managing Director

Simon is a creative and commercially successful CIM-qualified marketer with over 30 years’ experience within the global packaging, print and technology markets.

A clear, strategic thinker with a passion for long-term business development, Simon is focused on helping clients deliver business growth using his strategic planning and communications experience across traditional and digital media.

Beyond the world of Nielsen McAllister, Simon enjoys walking in the Peak District and watching rugby at Leicester Tigers as well as socialising with friends and family. The occasional beer might be involved too!

 

Follow Simon on LinkedIn

Hannah Woods

Senior Account Executive

Hannah graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Journalism and brings her love of writing and social media to the Nielsen McAllister team.

After studying a PR module at university, Hannah decided she had found her niche and her journalistic experience and joy in building relationships will ensure she thrives in delivering for our clients.

Outside of work, Hannah is a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ who can usually be found searching for new local bars and restaurants on the weekend. She also loves reading, walking (and napping) with her Miniature Dachshund, Coco and listening to true crime podcasts.

 

Follow Hannah on LinkedIn

Bob Bushby

Chairman

With nearly 40 years’ PR experience, Bob is a true industry expert. Having worked both in-house (for companies such as Grants of St James’s) and for agencies (including Kingsway PR, which became part of Saatchi and Saatchi), he has implemented many PR campaigns for clients ranging from Nestlé to Tarmac.

Since founding Nielsen McAllister in 1990, Bob has established an enviable list of contacts. He has gained particular respect in the packaging and associated media, and is very proud to have retained his first two clients to this day.

Outside the office Bob formerly enjoyed treading the boards in AmDram, but since putting away the greasepaint he has become a regular gym goer and also taken up running at an advanced age, completing a number of 10k races, despite his creaking knees.

 

Follow Bob on LinkedIn

Rory Hay

Digital Marketing Apprentice

Having studied Digital Multi-Media for over a year at Derby College, Rory has joined us as our latest digital marketing apprentice, applying his knowledge and creative thinking to Nielsen McAllister.  

Rory prides himself on loyalty, hard work, and dedication, qualities that once helped him compete internationally as an Irish dancer and which still shine through in his day-to-day work.  With a big interest in marketing, design, and content creation, Rory adds great strength to the digital team. 

Outside of work, Rory enjoys watching Derby County play and spending time with his family and friends. His main passion, however, is listening to music. Recently, he’s been trying his hand at playing the guitar – but claims to be a long way off the O2. 

 

Follow Rory on LinkedIn

Rhiannon Hopper

Account Manager

Having earned her degree in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of Warwick, Rhiannon brings her creative thinking to Nielsen McAllister.

With an interest in content curation and communications, Rhiannon supports clients to generate positive publicity and enhance their reputations.

When not knee deep in clients’ PR and social media, Rhiannon can be found shamelessly binge-watching crime dramas, sipping on a cocktail with friends or organising her next trip abroad. Any recommended travel destinations, please send her way!

 

Follow Rhiannon on LinkedIn

Simon Kinnear

Director

With twenty years’ experience in B2B PR and marcomms, Simon has a strong grasp of a good story and how to weave the right words to make clients’ messages come to life.

Simon actually began his agency life here at Nielsen McAllister, before joining some of the biggest full-service agencies in the Midlands. He returns with extensive experience managing multi-disciplinary teams that have delivered high-impact campaigns – combining PR, social media and digital marketing – for major international names in construction and manufacturing.

Outside of work, Simon moonlights as a freelance film critic and regular contributor to Total Film. He’s lost track of how many streaming subscriptions he now pays for.

 

Follow Simon on LinkedIn

Mitchell Lakin

Account Executive

After graduating with a master’s in Publishing at the University of Derby and gaining a year’s experience marketing in the automotive sector, Mitchell brings his business-to-business  skills to Nielsen McAllister.  

Mitchell has a strong command of written language and an ability to craft copy for a variety of channels. With a degree in English Language and Creative Writing, he is as passionate about the nitty gritty of grammar as he is telling a well-written story. 

Outside of work, Mitchell can either be found sparring as a kickboxer or writing his fantasy novels alongside a very good cup of coffee. 

 

Follow Mitchell on LinkedIn

Wendy Roberts

Senior Consultant

With over 34 years’ working as a journalist, Wendy has been trusted by thousands of people to share their exclusive stories in local and regional press.

She’s a former magazine editor and features writer and watched her heart-warming and unique stories fill pages in the UK tabloids.

Wendy’s words travelled the world! Once, she spotted her by-line in the New York Times!

In recent years, she has moved into the dynamic world of PR and has been supporting local businesses to share their news, build reputation and gain greater profile. Again, she has loved bringing people together to celebrate their successes.

Outside of work, family means everything to Wendy. She’s married to Simon and they have two sons, Joe and Ted, and a little dog called Otty.

 

Follow Wendy on LinkedIn

Tom Starkey

Account Executive

With a degree in Creative Writing and Publishing from the University of Derby, Tom brings a passion for storytelling and communication to the role of Account Executive at Nielsen McAllister. Alongside his studies, Tom worked at the University of Derby as a Support Officer, fielding its GDPR queries — a field that required professional communication and an eye for detail.

In his role, Tom combines his experience in fast-paced work environments with a determination to provide creative and unique PR — helping his clients’ messages stand out at the right moment.

In his spare time, Tom runs a weekly Dungeons & Dragons session, loves to playing video games and painting Warhammer figures. (He’ll happily talk about these at length, but please, don’t get him started!)

 

Follow Tom on LinkedIn

Alona Vvedenska

Account & Content Support Executive

Moving to England with her son to escape the war in Ukraine, Alona provides Nielsen McAllister with years of experience in the media, both as a journalist and in-house PR manager.

From interviewing celebrities to developing a Mother and Child Health Programme and managing opening events – Alona’s ability to turn her hand to everything, and joy of words, is helping build our clients’ profiles.

Outside of work she enjoys reading, watching great movies and is currently writing a book. And if you ask nicely, she may also cook you some borsch!

 

Follow Alona on LinkedIn

Simon Wildash

Managing Director

Simon is a creative and commercially successful CIM-qualified marketer with over 30 years’ experience within the global packaging, print and technology markets.

A clear, strategic thinker with a passion for long-term business development, Simon is focused on helping clients deliver business growth using his strategic planning and communications experience across traditional and digital media.

Beyond the world of Nielsen McAllister, Simon enjoys walking in the Peak District and watching rugby at Leicester Tigers as well as socialising with friends and family. The occasional beer might be involved too!

 

Follow Simon on LinkedIn

Hannah Woods

Senior Account Executive

Hannah graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Journalism and brings her love of writing and social media to the Nielsen McAllister team.

After studying a PR module at university, Hannah decided she had found her niche and her journalistic experience and joy in building relationships will ensure she thrives in delivering for our clients.

Outside of work, Hannah is a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ who can usually be found searching for new local bars and restaurants on the weekend. She also loves reading, walking (and napping) with her Miniature Dachshund, Coco and listening to true crime podcasts.

 

Follow Hannah on LinkedIn

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