Five new members recruited to give BYPY fresh impetus

THE organising committee for Birmingham Young Professional of the Year has refreshed its membership with the appointment of five new faces. The revamped committee is set to steer the awards in a new direction.

Joining committee chair, Claudia Santillo of legal recruitment consultancy Santillo Consulting and her newly appointed deputy chair, Sam Pennell of Rewired PR, are: Amy Kiernan, of conversation agency Shadow Giants, Ben Evans, of FleetMilne Property, Joanna Seabright, of Chiltern Railways, Lee Prinsep, of Deutsche Bank and Melanie Westall, of Birmingham Future.

Under Ms Santillo’s leadership, the 10-strong committee will not only deliver Birmingham Future’s awards, but it will also take on the task of evolving the awards in a way that better recognises the positive impact BYPY has on young professionals.

“We purposely handpicked this year’s committee to add experience, creativity and the strength to deliver what we think will be the best year yet for BYPY,” she said.

“I am honoured to be leading such a great team in delivering an event that is unlike any other in the city.”

The five new faces have taken their places alongside existing members: Dilesh Bhimjiani, of marketing agency Viva Aspire, Jade Devlin, of PR consultants Grayling PR and Sookie Shuen, of hotel group Puma Hotels.

BYPY is part of Birmingham Future, the membership organisation for young professionals in the city.

Next year’s event is set for Thursday May 1 and will once again take place at the ICC.