LONDON—Former Weber Shandwick digital head James Warren has joined UK firm Red Consultancy as chief digital officer.

Warren left Weber Shandwick in September after more than seven years with the agency.

At Red, he takes on a newly-created role, with a specific brief to reassess the agency's digital offering. Warren's initial contract is for six months, with a view to becoming permanent noted Red Consultancy CEO Mike Morgan.

“James will accelerate Red’s digital development," said Morgan. "His high level strategic experience is a perfect match for our clients and for our people at a time not only of great change in our industry but a time of even greater opportunity. He will help us and our clients to make the most of the opportunities that digital presents right across the creative, strategic communications spectrum.”

Red became one of the first PR agency movers in the digital space when it launched social media division Shiny Red in 2006; it is understood that Warren's role will encompass both businesses.

"It’s refreshing to be able to focus on client work and building out a new digital proposition rather than dealing with some of the associated white noise that can come from being in a big, networked agency," Warren told the Holmes Report. "Weber Shandwick is a fantastic global agency but I’m relishing the opportunity to getting stuck in to some iconic British brands."

Prior to joining Weber Shandwick in 2006, Warren spent 11 years at Bite Communications, rising to the role of creative director.