Artefact continues hiring spree with head of analytics

Artefact UK, the French-owned AI and data-driven agency, has recruited Wavemaker chief Robert Gray as its head of analytics to spearhead the firm’s media, data, and analytics services.
Gray reports directly to Ryo Katsuki, who joined in May, and will work across the agency’s client base which includes Selfridges, Nissan and Hertz.
At Wavemaker, Gray was analytics manager, responsible for consulting across a number of the group’s key clients. His role had a key focus around the better use of data, improving process and implementing the latest tech to improve marketing effectiveness for clients.
Gray joined from MEC, where he had been for nearly three years when WPP merged the agency with sister business Maxus to form Wavemaker in 2017. He has also held client-side roles at Morrisons, Leeds City Council and in the catering trade.
Artefact UK managing director Sarah De Martin said: “Since launching in the UK last year, we’ve made a string of strategic hires to ensure we deliver the same cutting-edge services across all key regions where we operate.
“Robert builds out our team in the UK market – another senior hire from a large agency group stands testament to the opportunities data experts recognise in our AI-first approach. He has an impeccable CV and prior to his immersion in all things data, spent a decade in the catering and supermarket sectors. This experience will be hugely valuable, as we view these as key growth markets.”
Gray added: “I’ve worked both client and agency side over the course of my career, and see Artefact as the most exciting challenge yet. What Artefact does with data and AI is way ahead of the competition, and I look forward to working with such a future-thinking business.”