Our People

Cherton was set up by Billy Pinkerton and Muriel McCutcheon in 1995 after careers in the public sector in Northern Ireland.

Robin Guthrie joined the company in early 1999.

The success of Cherton has been due in no small part to the total commitment of the Principals to their client’s interests and success. As a small company, the Principals are always readily accessible to their clients and offer a bespoke personalised service to them.

The Principals, highly experienced with well developed personal ‘networks’ know and are known and trusted by key decision takers up to the highest levels within Government, central and local, and the Administration.

	Billy Pinkerton Chairman He set up Cherton with Muriel McCutcheon in early 1995 after leaving the Departments of the Environment. In a long career in the public service he held various senior posts in different Departments, gaining a wealth of experience of the workings of Government and the Administration, and building up of a formidable network of contacts.
	Muriel McCutcheon Commercial Director Muriel too left the Department of the Environment in 1995 where she had latterly been heavily involved in leading the event management of spectaculars such as the Cutty Sark Tall Ships visit to Belfast, The Irish Senior Classic and Senior British Open Golf Championships as well as hot air ballooning, powerboat racing and other major events, conferences and exhibitions.
	Robin Guthrie Managing Director Robin joined Cherton in 1999 from his previous position as Commercial Director in Northern Ireland of a UK plc. His particular expertise lies in the development, management and delivery of strategic communications programmes. He also brings to the company extensive experience and expertise in the field of corporate security advice and risk management, offering bespoke advice and services to Chief Executives and Boards of client companies.
	Richard Hart Assistant Director Richard has recently joined Cherton having previously been a senior manager within the public sector, holding several posts in various departments throughout the UK and overseas. He has extensive experience of project management and delivery, holding the PRINCE2 Practitioner award, is a member of the Chartered Management Institute and a Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management. He is a graduate of Surveying and also holds a professional qualification in security management with significant experience also of corporate security management.
	L J D Callow Non-Executive Director Former senior Public servant with a strong pedigree in corporate communications, crisis management and high impact event delivery. Winner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Sword of Excellence in 1999 and Wilkinson Sword of Peace in 2000.