MRM recruits head of digital

London PR agency MRM ramps up its online marketing and PR with appointment of ‘head of digital and social’ .
The 14-strong consultancy, which specialises in financial services media relations and marketing, has recruited Michael Taggart from Brighton and Hove City Council to the new role.
As head of media at the local authority, Taggart was responsible for developing the social media strategy and embedding social technologies into customer services in areas as diverse as libraries, benefits and rubbish collections.
During his tenure, the council employed local government’s first full-time ‘social media offer’ and won plaudits for its communication with residents on social networks during the severe cold weather last January.
Taggart, a former staff reporter at the Daily Mail, will integrate digital into all parts the consultancy’s business and offer clients strategic advice on disciplines such as community management, online marketing and mobile.
Agency director Richard Wheat says of Taggart’s appointment:
“We don’t intend to become a digital agency.  The new media communications democracy of social and so-called traditional media relations don’t operate in isolation – a good agency is one that knows how to blend the two disciplines to form a complete PR and marketing package
“The internet is becoming central to customer and client engagement in all industries. Michael brings a wealth of ideas in this field and complements our current proposition perfectly. ”
Taggart says: “This is a dream move for me – not just because I know social media can help organisations of all size and type become successful but because MRM is a forward-thinking agency that will push boundaries, while offering solid, trustworthy advice.”