Targetbase appoints first UK chief exec

Direct marketing agency Targetbase Claydon Heeley has appointed Steve Grout as its first UK chief executive. He joins from Rapp Collins Europe, where he was managing director for UK and Europe.

The appointment, which is effective from February 2, will allow international chief executive Chris Gordon to focus on expanding the agency globally.

David Scholes, global chief executive of Targetbase, says: “Steve is the person we need to lead the next stage of our development. He is both highly experienced and has the ability to build upon and expand our unique offering in the UK.”

The agency has recently won direct marketing and digital pitches for Selftrade and Jobsite. It has also been behind recent digital marketing campaigns for 3, Royal Mail, Post Office and film studio Universal.

The agency says following the arrival of Grout, Gordon will have a brief to focus on developing the network internationally beyond the US and UK and to meet global client demand.