Stack boss Ben Stephens is continuing to overhaul his top team at the MSQ Partners group agency, luring James Champ to the role of planning director.
In his new role, Champ will lead the agency’s planning department and to boost its strategic offer across all clients.
Having started his career in adland at Duckworth Finn in 1994, then had spells at Partners BDDH and AMV BBDO before moving to Craik Jones as senior planner in 2002.
In 2007, Champ switched to Iris as head of planning for a four-year stint and then The Communications Agency (now Psona) for a similar period. He only joined Rapier eight months ago.
Reporting to Stephens, Champ brings a wealth of client experience across categories including American Express, NatWest and First Direct in financial services, The Balvenie in alcoholic drinks, and Land Rover in automotive.
Champ’s appointment further strengthens the Stack team following the hiring in 2015 of Caroline Kimber, the data strategy director, and Robin Murray, the creative services director, both from VCCP me. Stephens joined the agency in January last year.
Stephens said: “James brings superb multi-disciplinary experience to Stack to meet the diverse needs of our growing client base. He also completes our senior hirings, having re-shaped the agency and the management team during 2015.”
Champ added: “This is one of those opportunities that doesn’t come round very often: to join an agency with a clear vision of its future; a network to back up its ambitions; and work with a talented team that has a fantastic track record of success.”
Stack’s clients include Peugeot-Citroen and Beiersdorf. Recent account wins include Estee Lauder, Chiltern Railways, and Lotus Cars.
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