In the latest round up of people moves Boots, Channel 4, and Dentsu all make new appointments
Chair of sports fashion brand JD Sports, Andy Higginson, intends to step back from his role in July.
This follows a failed attempt to convince board members to replace chief executive Regis Schultz, the Financial Times reported.
Schultz, who has held the c-suite position for three and a half years, has overseen the company in a difficult time for sportswear fashion, with JD Sports reporting slowing sales in North America – a key market.
Although some directors were said to concur with Higginson’s assessment, it was not unanimously agreed.
The company told the FT: “It was mutually agreed between Andy and the board that this is the right time for a change of chair; there has been no disagreement about the board’s continued support for the CEO. The board is grateful for the valuable role that Andy has played during his tenure at the business.”
Other notable people moves
Channel 4: Ahmed Omer as commercial marketing leader
Channel 4 announced that founder of Cultured Connections, Ahmed Omer, will step into a new position as commercial marketing leader, focused on developing the way in which Channel 4 should ‘show up’ in the market.
“My focus is on shaping how Channel 4 Sales shows up in the market, crafting the narratives and campaigns that help the industry navigate our best-in-class and digital-first offering,” Omer shared in a LinkedIn post
Born Social: Ben Tyson steps down as CEO
Ben Tyson has announced he will step back from social media agency Born Social after over nine years as chief executive officer.
“The business is in rude health – as strong creatively, culturally, commercially as it’s ever been,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post.
“But the same can’t be said for me and my hairline. So I’m taking some time out. A ‘gap year’ to reset and refresh, and cheerlead Born and Croud from the sidelines, and as a non-exec advisor.”
Dentsu: John Stauffer as practice president
Network agency Dentsu has appointed John Stauffer as practice president of business transformation, international markets.
Staffer will take on the new position alongside his current role as chief strategy officer at Merkle Americas.
He was previously strategy discipline lead for experience and commerce at Merkle.
Radial Entertainment: Matt Katrosar as EVP
Matt Katrosar has been named as executive vice president of global advertising and partnerships for Radial Entertainment.
Katrosar is set to oversee strategic partnerships, global ad revenue, and the implementation of a unified, data-driven adtech ecosystem.
“Radial is uniquely positioned to build one of the most valuable independent players in the global streaming ecosystem, and I’m excited to help drive that growth,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
“Appreciative of everyone who’s been part of the journey so far and looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Moloco: Dawn Ostroff joins board of directors
Dawn Ostroff has been appointed to the board of directors of AI advertising company Moloco.
Ostroff previously held positions as chief content and advertising business officer at Spotify, helping scale the music giant’s ad business into a data-driven platform.
Boots UK: Laura Bonson as marketing head
Laura Bonson has joined Beauty for Boots as head of marketing.
Bonson previously held the same position at No7, and brings experience in delivering ROI at scale, mass personalisation of media strategy, and leading strategy, planning, and execution for beauty brands.
Saatchi & Saatchi: Four senior creatives hired
Creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi has hired Rachel Tweedy, Jamie Chang, Tom Lee and Becca Duggan as senior creatives, joining the chief creative officer Franki Goodwin’s team.
Franki Goodwin, chief creative officer of Saatchi & Saatchi said: “We’ve had a fast and exciting start to the year and I’m delighted to be bolstering our creative team with these absolute gems. I’m jealous of their work, their brilliant brains and their excellent outfits. They arrive with a ton of ambition and that’s what a ‘Nothing is Impossible’ 2026 is all about.”
