agency news

Brandon Uttley Joins Wray Ward

07/23/2009

Marketing veteran Brandon Uttley has joined Wray Ward as a social media strategist for the full-service creative marketing communications firm.

With a background that includes 15 years experience at public relations and integrated communications agencies before dedicating himself to online marketing, Uttley brings to Wray Ward's clients a practiced perspective on social media and its enhanced role in integrated marketing communications.

"Brandon has been on the forefront of social media marketing's evolution, and his expertise in the social media space translates to a deep understanding of its use to augment creative marketing communications programs," said Jennifer Appleby, president and chief creative officer with Wray Ward. "Brandon will take us to the next level in helping our customers use social media strategically and creatively to build brands and  businesses."

Uttley began his career in public relations at a firm in New York City before moving to Charlotte to work with several local and regional agencies. He co-founded brand consultancy and design firm carbonhouse, inc. in 1999 and helped them grow to become one of Charlotte's largest Web design firms.

His intrigue in the growing communications medium of social media compelled him to pursue the field full time, and he started a new company in September 2008 that helps Web-based business grow through social media and Web marketing.

"Social media is the next evolution in marketing communications," said Uttley, who has close to 4,000 followers for his own tweets about social media, public relations, current events and life happenings. "Using social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook gives brands a way to connect with consumers in ways they never could before.

"The world of social media is vast, and its potential in marketing communications is unlimited," he said. "I'm looking forward to helping our customers use social media to build communities and make their brands resonate."

Uttley has worked with organizations and brands including Charlotte Bobcats Arena (now Time Warner Cable Arena), Bank of America, Visit Charlotte (Convention & Visitors Bureau), UNC Charlotte and Womble Carlyle.

President of the Charlotte chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Uttley earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation. He is a graduate of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Wray Ward is one of the largest independent creative marketing communications firms in the Southeast, providing clients with programs that include strategic planning, advertising, public relations, media planning/buying, interactive and direct marketing. Founded in Charlotte in 1977, the firm's clients include Glen Raven and its Sunbrella performance fabrics, Gerber Childrenswear, TUUCI, Huber Engineered Woods, Hunter Douglas, North Carolina Education Lottery, Springmaid and Wamsutta home fashions, Transamerica Reinsurance, VELUX skylights, AAA of the Carolinas, American Wholesale Insurance Group and WIX Filters. www.wrayward.com

# # #

Contacts

Back to News