DRPGroup has announced a series of senior leadership appointments and introduced a new group board.
Matt Franks has been appointed to the new group board as chief operating officer and will also take on the role of managing director of DRPG UK, leading the UK business and overseeing operational delivery across the group.
Andy Wilkinson, managing director of OWB (which DRPG acquired in 2024), has been appointed as group sales director for DRPGroup, with responsibility for the new sales team across the group. He has worked in senior client-side marketing positions for global brands and marketing agencies across the UK and overseas, and in sales development consultancy supporting boards to deliver growth strategies.
Dale Parmenter will continue as founder and CEO of DRPGroup, with responsibility for the overall strategy and direction of the Group and its subsidiary businesses.
In addition to the group board, DRPGroup has introduced a strengthened operational leadership structure, including the formation of a new board for DRPG UK operations, which will support Franks in his role as MD and provide oversight of delivery, client relationships and operations.
Franks will also continue in his role as CEO of TSEC North America, following the establishment of a strengthened leadership team over the past two years, since the acquisition, to oversee the ongoing operations and continue to drive the growth strategy that is in place.
DRPG’s expansion in Europe continues with the recent acquisition of Munich based agency RPNext. Dagmar Mackett will continue in her role as global development director, while serving as managing director of DRPGermany GmbH, which includes RPNext.
The leadership appointments form part of a new group-wide strategy focused on long-term global growth, investment in people and capabilities, and the delivery of integrated services to clients across multiple markets.
Commenting on the announcements, Parmenter said: “This new phase for DRPGroup is about building confidently on everything we’ve achieved over the past 45 years. Strengthening our leadership team is a critical part of our growth strategy, ensuring we have the right people in place to support our clients, our teams and our long-term ambitions as a global group.”
Franks added: “Taking on the role of managing director of DRPG is a significant next step that I’m proud of, and one that reflects the scale and ambition of the business. My focus is to build on the strong foundations already in place, supporting our teams, and ensuring we continue to deliver consistently for clients across the UK and internationally.
“In my role as COO, I’ll also continue supporting our US operation, ensuring we can leverage our global capabilities aiding us in becoming the global agency of choice to many of the world’s largest brands.”
DRPGroup operates a portfolio of specialist agencies, including:
- DRPG (UK, North America and Germany)
- A-Vision
- Firehouse
- Grosvenor Comms
- Karma Games
- OWB
- Penguins
- RPNext
- TSEC