We are honoured to have top industry names sharing their experiences. They will discuss how they have navigated the digital communications advancements since the rise of generative AI.Â
They will cover the advantages and potential pitfalls of using AI in brand communications, planning, creation and content strategy.Â
- Hamzah Malik, Founder of Vet Pulse, the AI-powered vet’s assistantÂ
- Ben Briggs, Group Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Agriconnect (publisher of Farmers Guardian)Â
- Catherine Brien, consumer digital and data expert at management consultancy firm Alix PartnersÂ
- Ben Verinder, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and managing director of ChalkstreamÂ
Joining the panel on behalf of Pinstone will be:Â
- Hannah Lloyd, sales and marketing director Â
- Helen Maiden director of people operations Â
Hamzah Malik
Hamzah is the Founder of Regent Branding, an award-winning digital consultancy. He empowers brands navigating the digital landscape.
After university, Hamzah joined the John Lewis graduate scheme. He gained insights into the inner workings of JohnLewis.com. Hamzah then worked for several years at VBD, honing their digital strategy in SEO, content marketing, PPC and social media advertising. He won the VMA Highly Commended Young Marketer of the Year Award. After whis he launched Regent Branding.
Hamzah advocates for remote and flexible working. He built Regent Branding into a global digital powerhouse of 32 experienced professionals. His clients include Taco Bell, Direct Line, the British Army and Nobu Hotels. Regent Branding recently won PPC, SEO and social media marketing awards with Tech Behemoths.
Hamzah’s current focus is on creating digital products with internal talent. The latest product is Vet Pulse, an AI-powered veterinary assistant. It has grown rapidly in the UK and the USA.
Hamzah is also a keen contributor to the ‘AI Ethics’ landscape. He approaches new technologies in a useful, innovative and honest manner.
Catherine Brien
Catherine is an expert in data, analytics, research, AI and digital transformation. She was formerly Chief Data Officer for Guardian News & Media and Data Science Director at the Coop Group. As a consultant, she has worked with clients in grocery, non-food retail, pharmacy, travel, hospitality and consumer finance.
Now, she is a Partner and Managing Director at AlixPartners. She advises clients on how to grow faster and more profitably using data and AI. She helps improve customer experience, employee retention, operations and decision making.
Catherine has extensive experience in proposition development, customer lifetime value, pricing, supply chain and network optimisation. She is passionate about the ethics of using data and AI. She also helps organisations establish data and AI operations accordingly.
Catherine is also a Trustee of Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good. Nesta applies behavioural science and other techniques to tackle challenges like obesity, early years development and the UK’s carbon footprint.
 
Ben Briggs
Ben is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Agriconnect. This includes Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming.
Ben was the hands-on editor of FG from 2016 to March 2023. He was previously news and business editor from the end of 2010 when he returned to the business.
His media career started at FG in 2004 as a junior reporter. He left in 2006 and spent five years in the regional press. He worked on a large daily newspaper and then as editor of a bi-monthly business magazine.
A former chairman of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, he has been a regular commentator on farming matters in the national press over the past decade.
Ben Verinder
Ben is the managing director of Chalkstream, an agency specialising in reputation research, training and management across various sectors. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Ben is a former lead assessor for chartered status and one of 50 founding chartered practitioners in the world.
Previously, Ben was an in-house communications director and business development lead at an international software company. He contributes to many publications on artificial intelligence. These include ‘Humans Still Needed – An analysis of skills and tools in public relations’ and ‘Ethics Guide to Artificial Intelligence in PR’. Recently, he designed and launched an AI and Reputation Leadership course with the CIPR.
Ben’s interests include technology in communication, behavioural science in PR and change management.
He has run an international campaign related to the real-world impacts of algorithmic decision making.
Helen Maiden
Helen applies her unique skillset as a fast paced, dynamic and creative communications consultant at Pinstone. She delivers campaigns that make a difference.
Involved with the Guild Agricultural Journalists and speaking at key industry events, Helen is an excellent role model. She advocates for careers and the role agencies play in people development.
Helen plays a key role on her family dairy and arable farm in Worcestershire. She is a former Young Farmers County Chair for Worcestershire.
Hannah Lloyd
Hannah is driven by her industry insight and flair for out of the box communications thinking. She inspires clients and colleagues to deliver meaningful communications. These resonate across the farming, environmental and food supply chain sectors.
She is an active member of Meat Business Women and the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists. Hannah is also on the committee for the Vet Marketing Association.
