**The big picture:** The Openwork Partnership, a financial advice network, has appointed Emma Hardiman as its new marketing and communications director. **Why it matters:** This strategic hire underscores the growing importance of commercially-driven marketing leadership within the financial services sector, impacting talent acquisition for specialized roles. **Between the lines:** - Hardiman brings 20 years of financial services experience. - She previously led her own consultancy and spent 12 years at Charles Stanley. - Her background includes finance roles at BNY Mellon, Coutts, RBS, and Aviva Investors. **Staffing & HR impact:** The move highlights a demand for senior leaders who can translate marketing strategy into tangible commercial results, influencing executive search and talent development in specialized fields. Recruiters will see continued competition for candidates with combined financial acumen and marketing expertise. **The bottom line:** Expect increased focus on distinctive, commercially grounded marketing strategies within financial advice networks.