Manchester live events agency HGA has promoted Ian Austin to Digital Director & Deputy MD and appointed him to its board.
Austin, who has been with HGA for four years and was previously Head of Digital, joins original co-founders Michael Henderson and Ian Grime as well as Managing Director Dan Laurence on the board.
The agency, which is in its 30th year, has recently secured several big client wins, including Tropical Blinds, Euler Hermes and Brakes. The digital team, delivers both standalone digital projects and supports HGA’s live events services with dynamic event technology solutions.
As well as continuing to grow HGA’s digital offering, Austin will also undertake wider operational and strategic responsibilities to help drive the business growth plans.
“It’s a privilege to be promoted to the board in my new dual role, which allows me to augment my digital expertise with my commercial ability and awareness,” he said.
“I’ll be helping to drive the business forward across a much broader operational area. It’s an amazing opportunity to work with a fantastic management team who have nurtured the established business we have today as we begin our journey on a strategy to deliver high-growth over the next three years.”
Laurence added: “We’re an agency that prides itself on its people and the talent and quality of our team is what sets us apart. Ian is a shining example of that talent and alongside his natural business acumen is someone whom I’m delighted will be playing a more active role in the future direction of HGA.
“Our company ethos is to Challenge The Ordinary, so innovation and the role digital technology plays is critical in the way we push boundaries and deliver imaginative and unforgettable experiences for our clients. Ian’s mindset is to think big and think differently which fits perfectly with our ambitions and strategy.
“This is a richly deserved appointment and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”
