New appointments to Reading UK board

Reading UK has appointed two new members to its board of directors.

Becky Holland (pictured above), managing director of marketing agency BH&P, and John McLaughlin, area general manager for hotel group Hilton, bring the total to 17.

Reading UK chair Adam Jacobs, said: “In the challenging current climate, it is testament to the importance of Reading UK’s work that Becky Holland and John McLaughlin join us.

“They bring exceptional experience and insight to our board in areas that will be crucial to energising Reading in a post-COVID landscape. We have lots to do and the whole board is eager to start working on our priorities with Becky and John.”

Ms Holland has spent much of her career working with leading global agencies and brands, including NatWest, English Heritage, Santander, Microsoft, Marks & Spencer.

She said: “It’s a real privilege to be appointed to the board of Reading UK. I’m keen to contribute what I know about building brands, about resilience and recovery, to help Reading mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, plan for the future, and to support the long-term recovery of this incredible, innovative and vibrant city.

“We will stand stronger as a city when the fight against coronavirus is eventually won if we can help the businesses that have made this city their home to adapt to the new world, and present Reading to the world as an inspiring and forward-thinking city.”

John McLaughlin, who is also chair of the Reading Hoteliers’ Association, said: “The Reading UK Board composition is proving to be very successful and highly regarded and I am looking forward enormously to being part of that.”