Velarde exits after Underwired deal

Underwired co-founder Felix Velarde has quit the agency just two months after the business was acquired by Leeds-based advertising shop Gratterpalm, for an undisclosed sum.
Velarde, who co-founded the agency with Jason Holland, led a management buyout in March 2012 and transferred over the Gratterplan in late December, since when he has helped oversee Underwired’s integration.
The company has worked for brands including P&G, ESPN, Travelodge, ASICS, Regus, Marks & Spencer, Virgin, McCain, Sony, Mitchells & Butlers, The Sun, Brand Alley and East Coast.
Gordon Bethell, group chairman at Gratterpalm, said: “Felix has made a great contribution to Underwired, one which the teams here at Gratterpalm and at Underwired will be able to build on even further, and we wish him every success for the future. It goes without saying that Gratterpalm and Underwired will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition for both colleagues and clients.”
It is understood Velarde will take several months off before re-entering the agency world. He said: “I’m a marketing evangelist, and I love what I do, so I’m looking forward to whatever the future holds.”