UK CEO Rune Gustafson to leave Interbrand

Interbrand UK chief executive Rune Gustafson is leaving the consultancy.

Gustafson, who joined from Lippincott Mercer in 2007, describes his departure as ‘very amicable’ and based on ‘differences of opinion on how the business is moving forward’.

He will be replaced by Graham Hales, former chief communications officer at Interbrand Group, who will become managing director.

Hales, who joined the consultancy in 1997, will report directly to Jean-Christophe Danet, chief executive of Interbrand Europe.

Danet says, ‘It’s great to have Graham back in the London office. His energy and drive to get things done is infectious.

‘I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking Rune for his immense commitment to our business and wish him well for the future.’

Jez Frampton, global chief executive of Interbrand, says, ‘Graham is a great collaborator and is well-versed in our global network, having spent two very successful years working in the Group team. I know he is going to do a great job leading the team in London.’

Gustafson says he will leave in the next couple of weeks, and will devote more time to his non-executive positions, such as with the National Gallery.