The British Franchise Association has appointed Ruth Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Home Instead, as Chair of its board. Ruth becomes only the second woman to hold the role, succeeding Paul Thompson, founder of Water Babies, and following Pam Bader OBE, former CEO of Molly Maid UK. Her appointment comes as UK franchising continues to expand, with further leadership continuity supported by Catharine Chalton of Home Instead and endorsement from BFA Chief Executive Pip Wilkins QFP

Digital engineering firm GlobalLogic has appointed LuJean Smith as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing three decades of experience from leading technology firms including Siemens, Accenture, GE and Cognizant. LuJean joins at a pivotal moment as enterprises move from AI experimentation to scaled deployment, tasked with elevating GlobalLogic’s brand, driving growth, and showcasing its VelocityAI platform. President and CEO Srini Shankar described her as a proven strategist and an award-winning, transformative leader, while LuJean highlighted the opportunity to leverage Hitachi Group’s global capabilities to deliver measurable AI outcomes

In 2026, wealthy families and investors are increasingly using off-market and discreet property deals to secure rare homes. These transactions provide privacy, tailored negotiation, and access to exclusive opportunities. Supported by family offices, private banks, and specialist brokers, buyers and sellers can manage lifestyle priorities, investment objectives, and long-term wealth strategies without ever entering the public market

As global mobility grows, wealthy individuals and families are choosing where to live based on more than taxes. According to the latest Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, decisions now factor in education, healthcare, lifestyle, and business opportunities. Destinations from Dubai and Singapore to European programmes are attracting residents, while family offices, private banks, and advisors help plan multi-location strategies for long-term wealth and security

In this exclusive interview for The Executive Magazine, Robyn Hartley, Founder and Managing Director of Paper Kite Media, explains why social media has become a strategic imperative in B2B marketing. She discusses trust, influence and internal voices, arguing that organic social now shapes reputations and buying decisions long before sales conversations begin, in ways paid campaigns alone cannot, and continues to redefine modern go-to-market strategies

Transport for London has introduced a new tiered congestion charge, reflecting the changing mix of vehicles in central London. Electric cars now contribute to congestion management while retaining significant financial advantages over petrol and diesel alternatives. The revisions, effective from January 2025, balance incentives for zero-emission vehicles with broader objectives of managing traffic and funding the capital’s transport network