The Specialist Works hands chief executive role to Parry

Media agency The Specialist Works and parent company What’s Possible Group have appointed Parry Jones as chief executive, with former boss Martin Woolley moving to the role of executive chair of the group’s investment arm, Make Possible.

Jones, who has been with the business for 17 years, will dedicate the majority of his time to leading media agency The Specialist Works in its mission to drive business outcomes for entrepreneurial brands.

His group role will see Jones work alongside Woolley supporting marketing services start-ups.

The Specialist Works claims to be one of the UK’s largest independent media agencies, with a roster of clients that includes Frasers Group, Autotrader, Toolstation, Hastings and ManyPets Insurance.

Jones began his career at Haymarket Publishing before joining The Specialist Works as a media buyer in 2006. He was a part of the team that successfully led The Specialist Works’ management buyout in 2018 and the formation of the new parent company, What’s Possible Group, three years later.

Over the years, Parry has been a key architect in shaping the business and its services and capabilities. He has spearheaded the development and launch of new products, played a crucial part in business acquisitions, and served as the deputy CEO for over two years.

Woolley said: “Now is the perfect time to be handing the reins to Parry. He’s a brilliant leader – there’s no one better for the next stage of our growth. I look forward to supporting him on the journey.”

Jones added: “We’re going to stay laser-focused on the needs of entrepreneurial marketers, understanding the challenges they face as ambitious people working in fast-paced environments, often fighting against higher-spending competitors. We will continue to deliver media and creative that is disproportionately impactful in achieving their business goals.”