Michael Olaye has joined London-based agency SharpEnd as chairman, just two months after quitting his role as chief executive of Dare, citing personal reasons and a move out of London.
SharpEnd, whose clients include Estée Lauder, Pernod Ricard, PepsiCo, LVMH, Mattel and Nestlé, was set up in 2014 by former Engine Group executive Cameron Worth.
The agency claims to have a team of 15 “thinkers, makers and doers”, supporting brand owners to “create new touchpoints that drive engagement, revenue and insights in the real world”. SharpEnd has a combined total of more than 75 years delivering global innovation programmes.
Olaye has taken a stake in the business and will work with founder and CEO Cameron Worth to drive the agency’s next stage of growth, as well as offering key strategic consultancy.
He brings more than 20 years’ industry experience. Before Dare, Olaye was head of technology and innovation at Havas, where he was responsible for creating Havas London’s digital team and leading Work Club’s technology team.
Olaye said that SharpEnd are “proven pioneers in smart and connected solutions”. He added: “[They} are already doing a great job for established brands to exploit the many benefits of connected technologies to drive positive business, brand and consumer outcomes.
“As the ecosystem develops, the benefits these technologies present in helping brands understand purchase behaviours and build deeper, more relevant direct relationships with consumers will be invaluable. That’s a compelling proposition for me, and I look forward to helping guide Cameron and his team.”
Worth commented: “Michael is a respected leader in the digital industry and his appointment marks SharpEnd’s intent to continue building a leadership team focused on taking our business to the next level of growth – both in London and internationally.”
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