LONDON — Corporate, financial and public affairs agency Headland has hired its first head of research, Matt Horrocks, to build on its research and analytics offer.

Horrocks joins from research-led public affairs and reputation firm Stonehaven, where he spent three years building and leading its research unit. He previously held senior research roles at Teneo Blue Rubicon and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, and has worked with clients including Heathrow, National Grid, Primark, Tesco, Coca-Cola and the Labour Party on the use of qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis to develop reputation strategies.

Headland CEO Chris Salt said: “Matt’s arrival marks another big moment for Headland. He has a wealth of research experience across public policy, consumer and corporate reputation, and knows what it takes to turn it into an offer of scale and ambition within an environment like Headland. Great advice needs great insight and Matt gives us some outstanding qualities in this regard.”

Horrocks added: "Our clients know that the strategies they need to succeed depend on deep insights into what drives the decisions of their customers, investors and employees. Research can provide those insights. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to develop that capability and strengthen our offer in this area."

In addition, senior digital specialist Bénédicte Earl joins Headland from Portland. She was previously a consultant at digital agency Edmonds Elder, the Conservative Party and for the Times, as a journalist and online news editor.

The agency has also made two promotions to partner: Rosheeka Field, who joined from Brunswick as chief people officer in 2019, has been promoted and will move into a client-facing role with a focus on financial and crisis communications. Headland’s new chief people officer is Elle Macgregor-Chatwin, one of its longest serving consultants.

Oliver Tilley has also been promoted to partner. A corporate communications specialist with a focus on professional and financial services and infrastructure, he joined Headland in 2013 and leads the company’s work with Accenture, UBS and Arup.