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´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide has appointed Charlotte Elston as Director of Communications.

Reporting jointly to John Smith, Chief Executive, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide and Ed Williams, Director of Communications, ´óÏó´«Ã½ she will take up her post in January 2010.

In her role as Director of Communications Elston will be responsible for all communications – external, internal and public affairs - for the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s commercial arm.

John Smith, Chief Executive, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, said: "Charlotte joins ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide at an exciting time for the company. The company is going from strength to strength and I am delighted to have attracted someone of her calibre to join ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide's senior team."

In July 2009 ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide announced revenues exceeding £1 billion in its Annual Review of 2008/2009, with total income generated outside the UK increasing to 51.3% (2007/2008 – 48.6%) and 34% of total revenues coming from businesses created in the last five years.

Ed Williams commented: "Charlotte has formidable communications experience built up over many years working inside large businesses and as a public relations consultant.

She will bring a fresh perspective and valuable international experience to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide at a time that the organisation is engaged in a number of strategic projects many of which are focused on building the ´óÏó´«Ã½ brand around the world."

Until last month Elston was Group Communications Director for Aegis Group plc where she was responsible for all external and internal communications for the company which operates in 70 markets worldwide.

Previously she was Head of Corporate Communications, Pearson plc (2003 to 2005) and Senior Associate Partner, Brunswick Group Limited (1996 to 2003).

Charlotte Elston added: "I am very happy to be joining an organisation I respect immensely, in a role that promises to be extremely interesting.

I very much look forward to working closely with my new colleagues in the New Year."

Charlotte succeeds Alison Jeremy, who has joined BT Retail in a senior communications role.

Esther Brown