LONDON — UK PR firm Unity has created two new senior roles, hiring John Carolan to lead planning and welcoming back Andrew Soar as head of engagement.

Planning director Carolan joins the firm after spending four years at Carat. He is tasked with focusing on audience insight, comms strategy/planning and storytelling across the agency’s portfolio of consumer clients, along with new business opportunities.

Soar, meanwhile, returns to Unity after three years with Shine, which recently merged with The Academy. Soar, who previously spent more than three years with Unity, will work on such clients as M&S, Direct Line and Butlin’s.

"John’s impressive portfolio of clients and campaigns show his deep understanding of human behaviour and his experience in digital planning is unparalleled in our industry," said Unity co-founder Gerry Hopkinson. "Andrew’s wealth of experience spearheading campaigns for global clients places him as one of the industry’s leading influencers – we’re delighted to welcome him back."

The senior hires come as Unity reports a strong 2015 financial performance, growing revenue 35% to £3.2m and improving profit margin by 24%.