Creative agency Drummond Central strengthens senior team

Creative and digital agency Drummond Central has made some significant changes to its team with promotions and hires in senior positions.

Dan Appleby has been promoted to managing director after three years as head of client services.

The Newcastle-based agency has also strengthened its leadership team, bringing in Jonny Thornton to replace Dan as head of client services.

Jonny brings huge experience to the team, having spent seven years at BBH and another seven years at Mother, where he held roles as business director and head of mothering on brands including Stella, IKEA, Levi’s, Audi, Lynx/Axe, Vodafone, Barclays and Johnnie Walker.

The agency has also employed a new head of planning.

Neil Caffery joins after a 20-year career developing strategic insight and strategy alongside creative agencies, insight houses and clients from across public, private and third sectors.

He has worked with clients including RBS, Prudential and the Scottish Government on defining campaign strategies, optimising their customer journeys and experiences, and has advised clients with product and service innovation, principally at the concept development stage.

Elsewhere, Martin Shaw has joined as business development director from McCann Central, and will be focused on taking the agency’s proposition to potential new clients.

Finally, Sharon Coull has taken on the role of finance director. Sharon previously worked for Nestle, Group 4, a start-up business in Dubai and Sage. Most recently, she has acted as a consultant to SMEs.

Referring to the business’ workforce changes, Dan said: “We love nothing better than solving difficult business issues and challenges with our clients through creativity and technology.

“What’s really important is that all of our new people are focused on creating and delivering exceptional work.

“We’ve worked hard to identify and bring in talented individuals who will complement an already-strong team, and I am fired up by what the future holds for all of us at Drummond Central and our clients.”

The appointments coincide with new client wins for the agency, which include work from Greggs, DFDS, Riviera Travel, Visit Northumberland and Newcastle College.

The agency has also secured more work from long-term clients bet365, Northumbria University and Newcastle Building Society.