LONDON — The Forge Communications has expanded its leadership team with the hire of Rachel Bowden as associate director: the first senior hire for the five-year-old agency as it sets its sights on rapid growth.

Previously an associate director within FleishmanHillard Fishburn’s brand marketing team, Bowden (pictured, centre) led global accounts such as Bose, Johnson & Johnson and Illinois Office of Tourism. She has also worked at Firefly, Brando and Nelson Bostock.

Bowden will look after The Forge’s key clients and will be pivotal to the company’s growth plans. Her arrival comes on the back of a number of global account wins, including Canadian kids snack brand MadeGood and Australian edible beauty brand Health Lab. They join other food and drink brands including Gousto recipe boxes, The Collective Dairy, Lizi’s Granola and Kingsland Drinks.

The Forge founders Emma-Jo Jones (pictured, right) and Holly Ward (pictured, left), were also both former directors at FleishmanHillard in London. Jones said: “Holly and I were looking for someone who would challenge our thinking and creativity. Clearly Rachel’s brave enough to take us on, but also brings with her bags of experience, know-how and enthusiasm – she’ll be a great asset to our team.”

Bowden added: “EJ & Holly have built an inspiring business – why wouldn’t I want to work with them? In all honesty, I was bowled over by what they have achieved at The Forge. It’s an exciting time for the agency and I feel super proud to be a part of the team.”