KHWS recruits new head of technology from FCB Inferno

KHWS has appointed FCB Inferno chief Adrian Friend to drive the use of technology for clients and spearhead the growing tech team as the agency’s new head of technology.
At FCB, where Friend was also head of technology, he worked on a broad range of clients, including the likes of BMW, Allergan, Valspar and Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign. Prior to that, he had spells at Isobar and The Draw Group.
Set up in 1993, KHWS’ “brand commerce” approach combines its research project with Durham University, with technology and creative. Its clients include Samsung, ExxonMobil, Estee Lauder, Tesco, Heathrow Express, Mars and Ask Italian. Last year, it recruited former WDMP chief Garry Brooks to head up its creative department.
Friend will be a key driver in ensuring that behavioural science can be applied through technology in a way that is accessible to marketers.
KHWS founding partner Mark Skelton said: “Adrian is a really exciting hire for us. He has a great deal of experience heading up tech teams in leading creative agencies, which will be invaluable as we continue to grow. His ability to embrace new technologies and combine them with inspirational leadership will ensure that we continue to deliver innovative and effective digital solutions for our clients.”
Friend added: “Not only is it exciting to be able to help shape and focus KHWS’ existing capabilities, I am also keen to look at how we can leverage technology innovation to assist our brand commerce offering. There’s a real collaborative spirit, tonnes of talent and best of all, no egos.”