Former planning director Mark Runacus has taken the new role of chief strategy officer. He will work closely with clients on strategic issues and will focus on the agency's data insight capability and its strategic direction.
Thwaites and his team have developed a new online prospect relationship marketing strategy for Honda and integrated work for Camelot since he joined Hicklin Slade in the spring.
Prior to joining he was RMG Connect's strategy and planning director, working on a client list including HSBC, B&Q and Shell.
His promotion gives him a place on the Hicklin Slade board and he will continue to head the digital side of the business.
Thwaites believes that clients will continue to put money into digital activity, but their focus on accountability and measurement will increase.
"Clients will develop ever more integrated measurement, and will expect agencies to deliver against them," Thwaites said.
"And this will include digital channels - for far too long digital has been treated as a separate activity by clients; it's now set to join the marketing mix as just another communications channel."
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