LONDON — Ketchum has hired Bert Moore as chief strategy and innovation officer in London. The new position has been created by London partner and CEO Jo-ann Robertson to accelerate growth at the agency.

Reporting to Robertson, Moore will lead a team of over 20 specialists, comprised of social media and research analysts, insight and planning experts, designers and producers. His focus will be on delivering a range of new skills, products and services, as well as offering strategy counsel to clients.

Moore has a broad background in management consultancy, public relations and advertising, including stints at Weber Shandwick (where as European head of strategy and creative he originally worked with Robertson), Burson-Marsteller, Lowe+Partners and Strawberry Frog. He was latterly a managing partner at brand innovation firm Wider Lens. He is returning to London from New York, where he spent the past 13 years, to take up the new role.

Robertson said: “The communications industry is in a full state of disruption with increasing emphasis on strategic, high quality, purposeful, and quick-turnaround solutions. Insight-driven creativity is everything, and that is why we are making this significant hire now. Bert is an innovator with proven business transformation success. We are very excited about the impact he will have on our clients, teams and agency as we make a rapid leap forward.”

More added: “I'm absolutely chuffed to be working with Jo-ann again. In more ways one, I’m coming home. Having spent the past decade in brilliant creative advertising shops, I’m really looking forward to bringing those new skills to my familiar home. Technology may have levelled the playing field for all agencies, but the advocacy-driven approach of PR cultures is a distinct advantage. Ketchum combines a kindness and ambition that was magnetic to someone with creative restlessness.”

Also joining the Ketchum London team this week are Florencia Lujani as influencer management associate, from We Are Social, and Olly Smee as content creative director, from BBH London.