Rachel breaks new ground as northern boss
DENTSU Aegis Network has appointed Rachel McDonald as managing director of its northern UK business.
It’s the first time Dentsu Aegis Network North has had a managing director.
In the new role, Rachel will oversee operations across four offices in the north of England and Scotland for key agency brands Carat, iProspect, Vizeum, Amplifi and Fetch.
Since joining the business in its previous guise as MediaVest in 2001, Rachel has played a pivotal role in the strong commercial and operational track record for Dentsu Aegis Network North.
Most recently as MD of Carat Manchester, she oversaw an outstanding period of success recording sustained year-on-year growth while also building a diverse roster of clients that includes Halfords, Thomas Cook, Holland & Barratt and N Brown Group.
She will now lead the entire north business as it continues to drive growth and innovation for its clients, and report directly into Stef Calcraft, executive chairman, Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland.
Rachel said: “Dentsu Aegis North has an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit, a hugely talented leadership team and continues to retain and attract the best talent in our industry.
“Our ambitions for growth are accelerating and I am confident and excited to lead the business through its next chapter and maintain our position as the largest agency group outside of London.”
Rachel starts her new role with immediate effect and will remain in charge of Carat Manchester while the recruitment process for her successor takes place.
Chief operations officer John Mathieson, meanwhile, sees his role expanded and will work with Matthew Platts, CEO of Media Brands, UK & Ireland to drive greater integration across Dentsu Aegis Network North. He will continue to help shape and implement the business’ products and services. Stef Calcraft, executive chairman UK and Ireland, Dentsu Aegis Network, added: “Our North business is a globally connected services operation, a centre of excellence across multiple disciplines, and employs more than 600 people in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh. “I am delighted Rachel and John will lead the company moving forward.” Part of Dentsu Inc. Dentsu Aegis Network is made up of ten global network brands: Carat, Dentsu, dentsu X, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Merkle, MKTG, Posterscope and Vizeum and supported by its specialist and multi-market brands. Dentsu Aegis Network is headquartered in London and operates in 145 countries worldwide with more than 38,000 dedicated specialists. Rachel McDonald