Ete Davies, who left AnalogFolk last week, has been appointed to replace Matt Edwards as CEO of Engine’s creative and experience design division. This is the bit that used to be WCRS, Partners Andrews Aldridge, Synergy and Slice.
It looks like a good hire for Engine, which is in need of new blood after some high profile departures since a restructure killed off its well known agency brands in January.
Matt Edwards resigned without a job to go to at the end of June after 14 years working at the agency’s various guises, while Simon Peck quit in May after 20 years – and only a few months into his new role as chief client officer. Founder Robin Wight also stepped down in March.
Jim Moffatt, European CEO, Engine said: “Ete is a rare type of modern leader who can build culture, shape new offerings and drive innovation, but importantly given his background he speaks the language of the broad spectrum of capabilities that Engine has to offer. He is a connector – of ideas, of people and of specialisms, and someone who knows how to get things done. His reputation precedes him, and I am excited to see what he can do with the firepower of a business like Engine behind him.”
Davies, who joins Engine in September, previously worked at AKQA, DDB and Digitas, and has a good track record on new business — landing clients like Nike, Danone, and Pepsi at AnalogFolk. Crucially, he’s not afraid to speak out on industry matters, including diversity and inclusion, which should make him a good front man for Engine, which is in need of a voice and personality after ditching its agency brands.
Ete Davies said: “I’ve long admired Engine. It’s a full stack offering, but with creativity firmly at its heart. It’s everything clients need, all under one roof. I’m excited to be joining Jim and the rest of the team and feel privileged that they’ve invited me to help shape Engine’s future.”
