Unlimited’s behavioural lab drafts in another new doctor

Simon CollisterUnlimited marketing agency group has created a new director role for its Human Understanding Lab, the division which was launched last year and is staffed by a 120-strong team of neuro, behavioural and data scientists, technologists and strategic planners.

Fuelled by significant business growth and in response to evolving client requirements, the appointment of Simon Collister PhD is designed to further bolster Unlimited’s strength in insight-led solutions driven through a deeper understanding of human behaviour for brands.

The division will continue to be led by Dr Andy Myers, Dr Cristina Balanzo, Dr Stephen Welch and Chris Bland, behavioural science lead.

In the new role, Dr Collister will help Unlimited’s four divisions deliver deep human-powered data and technology-driven expertise into clients’ marketing activations using the Human Understanding Lab’s core insight products, such as its agile digital analytics platform.

With nearly 20 years’ experience, Dr Collister started his career at road safety charity Brake, then had spells in PR at Cicada, Green Communications and Webber Shandwick before joining We Are Social in 2009 as consultancy director.

Three years later he became a senior lecturer at the University of the Arts London, staying for nearly five years before completing a seven-year stint as Blackbook London, latterly as an independent consultant.

Dr Collister has worked across a wide range of clients from multi-national corporations to international NGOs and governments including FedEx, BP, Airbus and UNHCR. He has been working as planning director for Unlimited since June.

Unlimited chief executive Tim Hassett said: “Strategic rigor and giving our clients access to the best and brightest people are key for Unlimited and, so for us, bringing Simon on board for our Human Understanding Lab was a no-brainer.

“HUL has been instrumental in recent key new pitch wins, and with some major projects with our existing clients. I know Simon’s experience will be invaluable in helping further bolster our client’s businesses.”

Collister added: “In today’s complex, marketing landscape, it’s easy for brands to focus on the wrong (and sometimes expensive) marketing activities. While platforms and technologies change, humans don’t.

“Putting human understanding at the heart of what we do means we can plan and deliver more effective brand experiences that engage emotions, unlock motivations and drive action. Using powerful consumer-centric insights we deliver tangible, value-led outcomes across the customer journey.”

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