Rachel McDonald named first-ever managing director for Dentsu Aegis Network North

Dentsu Aegis Network today announces the appointment of Rachel McDonald as Managing Director of its Northern UK business. 

It represents the first time that Dentsu Aegis Network North has had a managing director. In this new role, Rachel will oversee operations across four offices in the North of England and Scotland for key agency brands Carat, iProspect, Vizeum, Amplifi and Fetch. 

Since joining the business in its previous guise as MediaVest in 2001, Rachel has played 
a pivotal role in the strong commercial and operational track record for Dentsu Aegis Network North. 

Most recently as Managing Director of Carat Manchester, she oversaw an outstanding period of success recording sustained year-on-year growth while also building a diverse roster of clients that includes Halfords, Thomas Cook, Holland & Barratt and N Brown Group. 

Rachel will now lead the entire North business as it continues to drive growth and innovation for its clients, and report directly into Stef Calcraft, Executive Chairman, Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland. 

Chief Operations Officer John Mathieson, meanwhile, sees his role expanded and will work with Matthew Platts, CEO of Media Brands, UK & Ireland to drive greater integration across Dentsu Aegis Network North.He will continue to help shape and implement the business’products and services. 

Stef Calcraft, Executive Chairman UK & Ireland, Dentsu Aegis Network said: 
“Our North business is a globally connected services operation, a centre of 
excellence across multiple disciplines and employs more than 600 people in Manchester, 
Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh. I am delighted that Rachel and John will lead the company moving forward.’ 

Dave Lucas, Chairman, Dentsu Aegis Network North said:“Rachel has played a fundamental role in developing the innovative thinking and collaborative approach that is central to the success for our Northern business.  As part of this, she consistenly empowers everyone around her to think differently to produce the best work possible, and as a result is greatly respected by clients, colleagues and media partners. I know she will lead the business with distinction to maintain its growth and success.”

Rachel McDonald, Managing Director, Dentsu Aegis Network North, said: 
“Dentsu Aegis North has an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit, a hugely talented leadership team and continues to retain and attract the best talent in our industry. Our ambitions for growth are accelerating and I am confident and excited to lead the business through its next chapterand maintain our position as the largest agency group outside of London.”

Rachel starts her new role with immediate effect and will remain in charge of Carat Manchester while the recruitment process for her successor takes place. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About Dentsu Aegis Network

Part of Dentsu Inc., Dentsu Aegis Network is made up of ten global network brands - Carat, Dentsu, dentsu X, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Merkle, MKTG, Posterscope and Vizeum and supported by its specialist/multi-market brands. 

Dentsu Aegis Network is Innovating the Way Brands Are Built for its clients through its best-in-class expertise and capabilities in media, digital and creative communications services. 

Offering a distinctive and innovative range of products and services, Dentsu Aegis Network is headquartered in London and operates in 145 countries worldwide with more than 38,000 dedicated specialists. 
www.dentsuaegisnetwork.com