Simon Ward appointed as Holmes & Marchant looks to the US

Ward joins from US group Ayzenberg, and Holmes & Marchant Group chairman David Worthington suggests his appointment could help the consultancy develop a US presence.

Holmes & Marchant currently has offices in London, Singapore, Shanghai and Mumbai, and Worthington says, ‘[Simon’s] knowledge will enable us to more easily develop a US offer to complement our successful London, Singapore and China businesses.

‘His branding and digital background is particularly appealing at a time when digital is so important.’

Ward is joining following the departure of former Holmes & Marchant Group chief executive John Mathers last year, to join the Design Council as chief executive.

This coincided with Holmes & Marchant leaving its Marlow offices to join sister company Lloyd Northover in central London.

Ward has been appointed to lead both consultancies. He will report directly to Worthington and MSQ Partners chief executive Peter Reid. Rebecca Price remains managing director of Lloyd Northover, although former Holmes & Marchant managing director Simon Gore left the business at the end of last year to ‘pursue his own venture’, according to the consultancy.

Prior to joining Ayzenberg as director of strategic development, Ward was business development director for Interbrand in New York. Previously he founded London marketing and PR agency Prodous, and was UK chief executive of Brodeur Worldwide.