idhl hires trio of industry leaders

National digital agency idhl has bolstered its senior team further with the hire of several senior industry experts.

idhl, which specialises in performance media, eCommerce, web development, data and email marketing, has hired Katie Duance as Marketing Director. Duance brings more than 15 years’ experience working for global organisations and previously worked at Dentsu UK&I for eight years, where she most recently held the position of UK Marketing Director. The newly created Marketing Director role at idhl will see Duance join the Senior Leadership Team to build brand equity and engage with national and international clients through targeted strategic engagement models.

Dan Taylor has been appointed as Commercial Director, while Ben Unwin takes on the role of Business Development Director. Both are London-based and join from performance marketing technology provider Wunderkind. Taylor has more than 12 years’ of senior commercial and sales experience in the digital marketing space working with major brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and Dior. He will focus on building commercial relationships globally. Meanwhile Unwin has a strong EMEA background in the performance marketing industry, with particular knowledge of fashion and retail, and will be supporting Taylor in these efforts.

The hires come as idhl continues to attract and retain industry talent to drive growth and build on its global presence ahead of its first US office opening this summer. idhl is one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent digital agencies, working with more than 450 clients across a range of sectors including financial services, professional services, industrials, luxury and fashion.

The agency currently employs around 400 people across its London, Leeds, Harrogate, Manchester and Newcastle offices. It is currently in the process of bringing brands WMG, Ingenuity Digital, Equation, Statement, NetConstruct, Pinpoint, Ampersand and Conesso under its main title. Fostr, which idhl acquired in 2021, will remain in situ due to its specialisms in fashion, beauty and luxury sectors.

Ben Wood, CEO at idhl, said: “Katie, Dan and Ben are all extremely well regarded and highly skilled in their respective fields and I’m delighted to welcome them to the idhl team as we continue to build momentum and grow our service lines to help clients accelerate growth in the digital economy. By bolstering our London presence and strengthening our leadership teams we know that we can deliver exceptional results for our clients and offer the very best careers for our people.”

Katie Duance, Marketing Director at idhl, added: “This is a really exciting time to be joining idhl, ahead of a full brand consolidation and expansion into the US. I have been impressed by the knowledge, passion and expertise across the business and I am looking forward to helping amplify the work of idhl further.”

idhl recently reported a strong financial performance in its latest accounts for the year ending December 31 2023, in which it secured revenues of £37.8m - up 2% on the previous year. This growth was driven by several new client wins including Costa and Church and Dwight. idhl, previously known as idhl Group, also retained established clients such as Hammonds and Leeds United FC.