Changes at the top for creative agency Ear to the Ground
Ear to the Ground, the Manchester sports and esports creative agency, has announced structural changes to its leadership team including a new CEO as it embarks on its international expansion plans.
The agency has appointed Richard Adelsberg as the new global CEO off the back of a record year.
Adelsberg, who was appointed managing director in 2017 and recently named as one of the Leaders in Sport Under 40 Class of 2021, will continue to work alongside Owen Laverty and Dolan Hewison, who assume new roles of chief innovation officer and managing director, respectively.
Founder, Steve Smith, will remain in his role on the board as chairman.
Other changes will see Gemma Longfellow take on the newly created role managing partner, John Parker as executive creative director, Matt Inston as client services director, and Alex Rowlands takes up the position of financial controller.
Marketing and new business director, Kat Toland, head of creative delivery, Leanne Kilheeney, head of Fan Intelligence, Becky Stuart, head of digital, Carl Lawrence, group account director, Jo Bailey and head of operations, Corina Boyle will form the agency’s wider senior management team.
CEO Richard Adelsberg said: “The success of the past few years has afforded us to grow and evolve quickly. The pandemic was undoubtedly one of the most challenging moments as MD, but the journey we took as a team to invest and achieve unprecedented growth is the biggest highlight of my career.
“My new role as CEO will ensure that we consolidate our reputation of delivering industry leading work with our valued existing clients, as we look to expand our offer internationally.
“It’s an exciting time for the industry as sport, esports and gaming show no signs of slowing down in their potential to impact culture and the most important brands in the world.”
Owen Laverty added: “I’m delighted we have such a talented and driven senior team to help us enter this next phase.
“In my role as Chief innovation officer, I will work alongside Rich to ensure Fan Intelligence is forever evolving, so that we continue to stay at the forefront of the industry.”
