our story

Gaye is an Executive Producer with over 25 years’ experience in the media industry, and a background primarily in branded and interactive film content. She has a real passion for human storytelling and accessibility and heads up the diversity & inclusion, ethics and sustainability offer for RY’s film and animation department. She has worked with her team to deliver the kind of innovative thinking and powerful messaging that frequently wins awards and has built long-term client relationships over her 10 years at RY. Gaye has produced films and social media content, including multi-territory productions for a broad range of clients, including Syngenta, JTI, VF Corp, Standard Chartered and Wrap as well as being a board member of EVCOM.

“I’m proud to be able to create film content that changes behaviour and opinions and that makes a difference. I love producing content that not only embraces D&I, but also champions accessibility, sustainability, and the power of authentic human stories, as I really do believe in the transformative impact talking about these values has on the audience.”

Managing Director, Anna Green joined Broadsword in 2014 with a clear vision to transform the agency into a socially responsible business. The global event communications agency produces a wide range of in-person, hybrid and virtual global corporate events. Key to Anna’s approach is doing the right thing – for Broadsword’s people, clients, the events industry and the planet – building sustainability, diversity and inclusion and well-being into all aspects of the business. A former teacher and mother of two, Anna has a passion for building a better world for young people and as a board member of EVCOM and Event Apprenticeships, Anna is a mentor and a huge advocate of supporting young people entering the events sector.

“The success of any organisation depends on its ability to learn and grow, and tackling the skills gap at grass roots level must be our ongoing concern. Prioritising learning and development encourages individuals to be curious and continually self-develop, both professionally and holistically. The world of work is evolving faster than ever, and programmes such as apprenticeships are an invaluable tool to develop a workforce with skills that are matched to a company’s future needs.”

Sonal R Patel is an award-winning Executive Producer and Partner at Brunswick Group. She is Group Head of Brunswick Creative, managing world-class creative and production specialists executing critical campaigns and content across design, film, live events, and digital content for multi-national businesses.

Sonal advocates for creative storytelling in corporate communications and advises global clients at Board level on performance and executive visibility.

As a former broadcast news journalist, Sonal has been writing, producing and directing for over 20 years.

“I’m excited to sink my teeth into the Chair role for EVCOM. Despite the challenges faced by our industry, we’re poised for a transformative year. Our focus remains unwavering: to celebrate and accelerate the success of creative industries across the UK. We’re dedicated to nurturing young talent and championing creativity and storytelling. And, our commitment extends beyond EVCOM—to unite and strengthen the entire sector. This year, our goal is clear: to elevate EVCOM as a driving force for success and innovation, shaping a future where creativity knows no limits. We can only achieve this in collaboration with our members and anticipate working more closely with each of you.”

Tom has a background of events, internal and external communications experience and has worked in the Retail, Financial Services and Telecoms sectors. He now leads the Events & Studios teams at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider. The Events and Studios teams are responsible for creating, producing and delivering a wide range of events and experiential moments, studio broadcasts, digital and film productions.

“Our world of events and film production is really rewarding but can be tough work. As we battle with the ever-changing landscape of technology, budgets, channels and content, the power of a network can be a real lifeline to share, collaborate and support each other. EVCOM brings together some of the best in the business and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Ajay is a globally experienced event consultant, having delivered events and communication programmes in over 30 countries. His career journey spans creative agencies such as Park Avenue Productions, MCI UK, Imagination, and Project Worldwide. With a background in theatre and film, Ajay applies his production expertise to craft impactful live experiences. His deep understanding of agency operations and international best practices makes him an invaluable advocate for EVCOM’s agency and freelance members.

Phil has been in the events and communications industry for over 15 years’ with experience across commercial, strategic, and delivery-focused roles. His career spans leading global agencies where he has led and contributed to major growth initiatives, secured multi-million pound global clients, as well as developed and launched new products and propositions. Phil also spent time supporting innovation within a pharmaceutical tech start-up, so has a broad mix of experience.

Now serving as Chief of Staff at Strata, Phil plays a key role in shaping and executing growth strategies, as well as fostering cross-functional collaboration. Phil is also a committed mentor and advocate for future talent, working to ensure EVCOM remains inclusive, forward-thinking, and deeply supportive of emerging professionals within the industry, something which Phil benefitted from early in his career.

“It’s a privilege to help shape the future of our industry through EVCOM. We have the opportunity to champion new voices, foster creative excellence, and build a stronger, more connected community, whilst ensuring the next generation are given a platform to develop and inspire change”

Connie is a seasoned event professional with over 20 years’ experience and has made significant contributions on both the agency and corporate fronts. Her leadership journey includes the creation and management of event specialist teams supporting dedicated accounts on complex initiatives. With an eye on innovation, Connie has actively contributed to the evolution of best practices in the event industry.

Connie currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations for FIRST, a global brand experience agency that connects people to the world’s top brands. Connie oversees embedded team operations and her dedication to FIRST has spanned 14 years, during which she has held multiple key leadership roles.

“I am delighted to be a part of the board for EVCOM. Serving in this capacity allows me to contribute to the dynamic realms of both event and film production, where every occasion becomes an opportunity to create a unique and memorable experience. My passion lies in nurturing talent and fostering positive change, aligning closely with EVCOM’s vision and purpose. Together, we can continue to shape the industry, support creative initiatives, and make a long-term impact on the way events and films connect with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.”

With a 25-year career in production, Jules initially worked in broadcasting, finding her niche as a shooting P/D on the long-running BBC1 daytime series City Hospital. From there she transitioned to producing and directing films for the NHS and various government departments, sparking a passion for delivering impactful messages to the right audience. She took this understanding to the national charity RNIB where she headed up film production for over 5 years before moving into leadership roles with creative agencies. Now working independently, she specialises in crafting strong content for clients, including agencies and brands, with a focus on responsible business issues. As a BACP registered integrative counsellor and coach (with an interest in neurodiversity) she also brings a unique perspective to workplace dynamics.

“It has been a rewarding experience to contribute to the EVCOM board over the past four years, including a two-year term as Chairperson. In that time, I’ve been delighted to help facilitate the initiation of our shadow board, which feels like a significant development. While I highly value the wisdom and ideas of our experienced board members, I believe embracing new voices is crucial for our growth and development. Research underscores the importance of diversity in successful organisations, extending beyond race and gender (although, of course, this remains a priority). It involves providing a platform for the ideas of the next generation to shine through and be heard. This inclusive approach is paramount for the evolution of our industry. We need to foster new talent, creating workplaces that are both inclusive and responsible, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”