Marketing in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment isn't for everyone, but for Rebecca Parr, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Phenna Group, it's exactly where she thrives. With a career shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a genuine passion for 
connection, Rebecca's journey is a reminder that career paths aren't always linear, and that's often where the magic happens.
Before Phenna
Rebecca's early aspirations were firmly rooted in creativity; she imagined a future as a photographer or a journalist, chasing stories or capturing them through a lens. But before embarking on either path, she dipped her toes into the working world through a YTS placement (for those who remember them!) at a dog kennel. It was hands-on, outdoors and a world away from the career she would later build, but it gave her an early appreciation for hard work and responsibility.
Life then took a different course when she became a mum at a fairly young age. Returning to the world of work with a handful of GCSEs and a determination to create a stable future on her own for her and her daughter, she entered the world of temping to get her foot back in the door. Temporary roles led her into telemarketing, where she discovered she not only loved speaking to people but thrived on the buzz of generating leads. It was an early hint of a career path she would follow.
Her energy enabled her to progress quickly, eventually being asked to set up and manage a team of telemarketers before moving into a Marketing Manager role. She learned on the job, embraced every challenge and expanded her skill set. After being made redundant, Rebecca decided to view the change as an opportunity. She took a year out to complete her CIM Level 6, a defining moment that strengthened her expertise and shaped the future trajectory of her career.
When asked which skills have proved most valuable, Rebecca highlights multitasking, working at pace, digital marketing (including web build and SEO) and a passion for lead generation. She believes fiercely in marketing as a strategic function. Not just “the colouring-in department."
Just as she was completing her CIM studies, a recruitment agency approached her about a Marketing Manager role with CTS, part of the Infrastructure Division. Interviews took place over Teams during lockdown, and she joined the company in December 2020.
Joining Phenna
CTS was acquired by Oakley Capital in 2022 and became part of Phenna Group, the start of a new chapter. True to her inquisitive nature (or "nosey," as her husband would say), Rebecca threw herself into learning everything she could about Phenna Group and the wider Infrastructure Division. Her enthusiasm and willingness to help didn't go unnoticed.
After connecting with Group HR Director Gaynor Lloyd and Infrastructure Divisional MD Stuart Abbs, she was invited to step into the role of Head of Marketing for the Infrastructure Division.
The appeal? Simple. The chance to expand her knowledge across the infrastructure sector and support multiple companies with rebranding, new website builds, social media strategy and boosting brand awareness.
Career Growth at Phenna
In August last year, Rebecca was promoted again, this time to Group Head of Marketing & Communications.
Key moments along the way? The CTS acquisition opened the door, but the way she approached the transition was equally important. She focused on being supportive, staying positive and helping to make the integration as smooth as possible. She focused on adding value and letting her work speak for itself.
Rebecca's current role is hands-on, fast-moving and diverse, exactly how she likes it. One moment she's supporting the M&A team with due diligence and drafting acquisition announcements, and the next she's working alongside sales and commercial teams or collaborating with marketing colleagues across the group.
She supports companies globally from the UK to the US, from Australia to Singapore and enjoys being an extension of their teams. She also manages a small but expanding internal marketing team.
What she finds most rewarding is the sheer variety. No two days are the same, and she gets to work with a diverse mix of TICC companies across all divisions.
Among her favourite achievements is running marketing workshops covering everything from SEO to social media best practice and seeing companies put their new knowledge into action with real success.
Reflections and Advice
Rebecca describes Phenna's culture as supportive and opportunity driven. With more than 80 companies across the group and more acquisitions in the pipeline, the opportunities for growth and development are plentiful. But she's clear that success is a two-way street: "The more you put in, the more you get out." Consistent effort, positivity and belief in your ability genuinely matter here.
Her advice to others?
Be curious. Be consistent. Take opportunities when they come. And above all, do something you love, passion makes the difference.
If she could speak to her younger self? "I'd tell her to believe she's capable of more than she realises, and not to let imposter syndrome hold her back from saying yes to opportunities."
A Personal Touch
Outside of work, Rebecca's life is full of fun, family and fresh air. She has two grandchildren and proudly goes by "Meme" (not Nan, not Grandma), who keep her motivated. Her two dogs keep her active and provide excellent company while she works from home.
And a fun fact? Rebecca used to teach music at a local marching and display band, and as a child, she played trumpet, flugel, cornet and marching bells in this band.
Rebecca's journey is proof that careers grow in unexpected ways. With the right mindset, the right opportunities and the courage to keep learning. Her story embodies Phenna Group's ambitious, supportive and collaborative spirit, and shows that curiosity, creativity and commitment can take you a long way.
Want to explore a career at Phenna Group?
Take a look at the opportunities on our careers page.