Michael Hoevel, Managing Director
Michael founded Marchmont back in 2013. A veteran communicator, he has worked with the private sector, various United Nations organisations, national governments, research institutes, think tanks and non-governmental organisations all over the world over the course of his career. His past roles include Deputy Director of Agriculture for Impact (under the leadership of Sir Gordon Conway at Imperial College London) and Director of London-based sustainability communications agency, Glasshouse. Michael’s work has been recognised more than a dozen times at industry award ceremonies, including from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, SABRE Awards, European Excellence Awards, International Green Awards, Digital Communications Awards, Digital Impact Awards, PRCA Awards and CorpComms Awards. Michael also serves as Chairman of the international development organisation, Self Help Africa UK. He holds an M.Sc. in Development Management from the London School of Economics and a B.A. in History from Yale University. In his spare time, you’ll probably find him in the pottery studio, cooking something in the kitchen or contorting himself on a yoga mat. Connect with Michael on email or LinkedIn.
Donna Bowater, Associate Director
Donna joined Marchmont in 2016 after a decade in journalism. Her career included four years covering Latin America as a freelance foreign correspondent for publications such as the Daily and Sunday Telegraph (London), VICE, Al Jazeera and the Washington Post among others. Since joining Marchmont, Donna has managed international media field visits, and on-site press offices and secured coverage for clients in top-tier publications such as the BBC, Deutsche Welle, the Economist, the Financial Times, the LA Times and NPR among others.
Donna has a B.A. in English literature from Warwick University and an NCTJ-accredited postgraduate qualification in journalism. She speaks Brazilian Portuguese with professional working proficiency. She is a long-suffering Wolves supporter.
Rachel Elliott, Senior Associate
Rachel joined the team in 2021, having previously held communications roles at an academic publisher and the U.S. Embassy to the Vatican. She has experience in content writing and editing across channels and multimedia production.
Rachel holds an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Bologna and a B.A. in English from Temple University.
Harvey Presence, Associate
Harvey joined the team in 2024 as a CIPR-certified communications practitioner who brings experience consulting and campaigning for global non-profit organisations in human rights, law, and education. He supports across content creation, media pitching and newsletters.
Harvey holds an M.A. in Philosophy from King’s College London and a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Nottingham.
Ian Gachichio, Associate
Ian joined Marchmont Communications in May 2026 as Associate. With nearly a decade of work in global media advocacy, he specializes in media strategy, asset development and campaign execution. His expertise spans agriculture, food systems, sustainability, global health and economic governance issues.
Ian holds an M.S. in Public Communications and Corporate Communications from NYU School of Professional Studies and a B.A. in Business Administration from Strathmore University.
Jessica Forbes, Junior Associate
Jessica joined Marchmont Communications in October 2025 as a Junior Associate. She is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food-systems projects, and has over three years industry experience including award-winning agri-tech solutions supporting climate-resilient smallholders.
Her experience spans digital and in-person communications, helping organisations tell compelling stories around complex global issues.
Jessica holds a BA in Classical Civilisation and Philosophy from the University of Birmingham. Outside of work, she enjoys endurance cycling and leads a Pan-African book club, curating cultural events and community-led discussions.
Robb Whiteman, Head of Design
Robb is a creative person who strives for new challenges. Over the last decade, he has developed from a young print designer into a weathered digital and motion enthusiast, gaining invaluable experience along the way. He enjoys creating and managing cross-platform concepts which bring his clients’ stories to life.
Robb has a keen interest in travelling and has lived and worked in different countries around Europe. He graduated from the University of East London with a First Class degree in Graphic Design.