Social Chain, the firm co-founded by Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett and Dominic McGregor, has named a new UK managing director.
Pete Metcalfe has been hired from his role as managing director at Carat UK where he has been following a 13-year career at Dentsu that includes leadership roles at both Carat and iProspect across the UK.
He will Social Chain's Manchester-headquartered UK arm in April and succeed Katy Leeson who first took on the role in July 2017.
Mr Metcalfe said: "I have had a fantastic career at Dentsu over the years. During that time, I have witnessed the rise of Social Chain at close quarters.
"They have built a leading social first global business and ushered in a new dawn for the marketing industry at large.
"Their success is undoubtedly due to their talented people and unrivalled culture of creativity and innovation.
"Whether it is the scale of their communities, pre-eminent creative campaigns or growth in social commerce, Social Chain constantly put brands at the forefront of what is possible. Katy has led the business with impressive poise and empathy, and we have a shared outlook on what a cutting-edge agency should look like.
"I admire her leadership and wish her well in the future. I am excited and privileged to lead Social Chain in the next stage of its incredible journey."
Katy Leeson added: "I am incredibly proud of the legacy I leave at Social Chain and can think of nobody better to bring new ideas to what is such an exciting stage for the company than Pete.
"His dedication to keep the brands we work with at the forefront of what is possible and ensure Social Chain’s culture reflects the way the modern workforce wants to work means that I know I am leaving it in the safest of hands.
"It has been an incredible five years, and one I will be eternally grateful for and I look forward to watching it go from strength to strength and want to thank the team at Social Chain for their hard work, dedication and fun since I joined."
Chief marketing and strategy officer Christian Grobel said: "After Katy’s stellar five years in this role, we are delighted to welcome Pete to Social Chain.
"Pete knows our business well already and brings a wealth of expertise and leadership experience to help develop Social Chain’s offering further, providing clients with even more services and value.
"Under Katy’s leadership, Social Chain has built a market-leading reputation and today works with world-class people and brands.
"Katy has made Social Chain a place where leading talent chooses to work. Pete will build on this legacy, with a strong team in place, and will deliver creative social and digital solutions for Social Chain’s external clients, as well as Social Chain Group’s own leading social commerce brands."
