Motability and Knight Frank wins fuel Wunderman hire

Wunderman Thompson has beefed up its senior team on the back of a new business double, securing new briefs from car leasing firm Motability and estate agency Knight Frank.

Alex Ringhofer is joining the agency as client partner to lead both accounts, as well as existing business including Mercedes Benz Vans, Specsavers, and Aston Martin.

He joins from Tribal Worldwide, where he was associate managing partner and oversaw a five-year digital transformation programme for Volkswagen Group, which included developing a blended retail programme across the VW dealership network.

Motability Operations has appointed Wunderman to improve its digital experience platforms and deliver its digital roadmap, with initial priorities being delivering seamless and personalised digital experiences.

The organisation operates the Motability Scheme, the vehicle leasing package created to benefit people with disabilities and currently helping over 600,000 customers and their families. It is also the largest vehicle leasing business in the UK, with a fleet of over 600,000 vehicles and 15,000 powered wheelchairs and scooters.

Meanwhile, Knight Frank has briefed the agency to develop a digital self-service portal to provide 24/7 customer access and enable customers to monitor and manage all of their services and interactions with the company.

Ringhofer started his career at global healthcare company Roche in Switzerland before switching agency side, where he held roles at Photosound and DDB Remedy. He also worked as client director at Digitas LBi on Honda’s pan-European digital platform and a number of healthcare accounts where he was involved in setting up a global digital innovation lab for AstraZeneca.

Wunderman Thompson UK chief executive Pip Hulbert said: “Alex has an extensive track record and deep experience across a range of design disciplines, digital products and services.

“With his passion for great customer experience, and the use of technology to address real life problems and business challenges, Alex brings hugely valuable expertise and knowledge to Wunderman Thompson which I know will continue to connect our integrated offering and produce inspiring work fit for the future. I’m delighted to have him on the team.”

Ringhofer, who will report to chief client officer Matt Steward, added: “Since the first moment I came across Wunderman Thompson I’ve been blown away by the breadth and depth of talent across experience design, creative, technology, and data. Now as part of the team, I’m genuinely excited at the opportunity to deliver a holistic experience for our clients.”