Caroline Anderson

Career History

I began my career in marketing over 30 years ago after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Media Studies. I spent my first decade working agency-side, delivering PR and marketing campaigns for clients across the North East and Yorkshire.

I then moved in-house, joining NCG, a national education charity operating colleges and training providers across the UK. Over 13 years, I progressed to Head of Communications, leading a team of 10 and overseeing communications during a period of significant growth and acquisition.

Seven years ago, I transitioned into the professional services sector, working with Azets and later Fairstone, a national wealth management group. As Head of Marketing, I led all internal and external marketing and communications activity, supporting 56 offices across the UK.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Media Studies – 2:1

Experience and Expertise

I have extensive experience working across multiple sectors, including education, professional services, retail, and financial services. My portfolio includes well-known household brands such as Costa, alongside large multinational organisations with turnovers exceeding £200m.

I am a marketing generalist with particular strengths in PR and change management, mergers and acquisitions communications, internal communications, and large-scale events.

Career Highlights

There have been many career highlights, but those that stand out include organising high-profile launch events for multi-million-pound education facilities at NCG, working alongside several well-known public figures.

I also wrote the award-winning submission for Newcastle College’s Business of the Year win at The Journal Business Awards, along with multiple successful submissions for the North East Dealmakers Awards during my time at Azets.

More recently at Fairstone, I led the organisation of a national conference for almost 1,000 colleagues from across the UK and Ireland.

Hobbies and Interests

• Running – a 5k every Sunday morning, the best start to the day
• Reading – nothing beats a good book and a bit of escapism
• Playing the piano – enthusiastically, if not skilfully
• Pub quizzes – always up for one