LONDON — Global communications agency Battenhall has appointed Neil Meredith as its first commercial director.

Meredith, who has more than 25 years’ experience building social media, gaming and sport businesses, joins the 120-strong agency’s senior leadership team and will be responsible for spearheading strategic growth opportunities and key client relationships in the UK, EMEA, APAC and the US.

Most recently, Meredith was the founder of marketing agency Good Place Ideas, sport agency Integrity Club, and was non-executive director at consumer electronics and video game accessories company Snakebyte Group.

Meredith (pictured, centre) will report into global CEO Drew Benvie (left) and UK and EMEA managing director, Rhian Robinson (right). His appointment comes following a year of growth for Battenhall, with the launch of Battenhall Studios – the agency’s social media production arm – and expansion in the US and Asia.

Benvie, who has previously worked with Meredith as a client, told PRovoke Media: “Appointing a commercial director has been a core element of our growth strategy for a year. But we needed to find the right person. When Neil and I started working together again, we quickly realised it was a perfect fit.

“Battenhall has grown organically over the past decade through a relentless focus on our specialism and word of mouth, but as our growth has accelerated, we’ve sought to hire senior talent with extensive commercial experience. The time was right for this specialist role, and Neil brings a wealth of experience in our hottest growth sectors of sport, gaming and retail.”

Meredith added: “Having spent the past year getting to know the team and how they operate, it was a no-brainer for me to join the senior leadership team full-time. I’ve been so impressed with the culture, attitude and delivery expertise for clients. I firmly believe it’s a great fit for everyone and I’m excited about the future at Battenhall."

Battenhall’s current client roster includes YouTube, GoPro, Aviva, Nestlé Lindahls, Morgan Motors, the O2 and the NHS.