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Huntsworth has leading brands in communications, operating from 70 principal offices in 32 countries.

The group has particular strengths in the consumer, financial, public affairs, integrated healthcare and technology sectors. 

Sally Withey, currently group finance director, has been appointed chief operating officer. Her focus will be on maximising operational efficiencies, investor relations and corporate developments. 

Tymon Broadhead, currently deputy finance director and company secretary, has been appointed group finance director.  Both these board appointments have immediate effect.

Richard Sharp, formerly of Goldman Sachs, has been appointed as the company’s new non-executive chairman, effective from the company’s AGM in May. He succeeds Jon Foulds, who is retiring.

Sharp, 52, joined Goldman Sachs in 1984, became a partner in 1994 and worked across the Goldman Sachs business including investment banking and private equity.

He retired as chairman of Goldman Sachs’ European Principal Investment Area at the end of 2006.

Withey has been with Huntsworth for three years. Although the move is described as a promotion by the group, she served as its chief operating officer before her appointment as group finance director in June 2006.

Previously she was chief financial officer, Europe of the Nasdaq listed technology consultancy Predictive Inc. She is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and has over 20 years' experience in people businesses.

Robert Alcock, Huntsworth’s senior independent non-executive director, said that Sharp’s appointment followed a thorough search and added that his extensive experience would be invaluable to Huntsworth as it continued to build its revenues and market positions around the world.

“Jon Foulds has been a non-executive director of Huntsworth for over seven years and the company owes him a great debt for his wise counsel and careful stewardship of the board.  He leaves the board with our gratitude and best wishes for the future,” Alcock said.

Lord Chadlington, Huntsworth’s chief executive of Huntsworth (LSE:HNT), said, “Sally and Tymon’s promotions are well-earned and I am delighted to welcome Tymon to the board. They are both talented and experienced executives and I am confident that they will make a real difference in their new roles.”

Huntsworth announced preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2007, showing total revenue up 9.0 per cent at £152.3 million, compared to £139.7 million in 2006).

Like-for-like revenues were up 6.0 per cent. International network business went up from 11 per cent to 29 per cent of revenues. Profit before tax rose by 23.4 per cent to £21.9 million, from £17.7 million in 2006.

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