LONDON--Penrose co-founder Andrew Nicolls is joining Hudson Sandler, three year after selling his firm to MHP Communications parent Engine.

Nicolls is to become vice-chairman at Huntsworth agency Hudson Sandler, and will focus on developing the firm's financial services practice.

Nicolls co-founded Penrose in 1998 with Gay Collins. After the sale to Engine, the group merged the financial PR firm with Mandate and Hogarth to create MHP Communications, with Nicolls appointed managing director in charge of banking and capital markets.

“Andrew is an important senior hire and we are delighted he has chosen to join us," said Hudson Sandler CEO Andrew Hayes.

"His expertise across financial communications, corporate reputation and the digital landscape will enable him to make a valuable contribution as we support our clients in a rapidly changing communications environment.”

“Hudson Sandler is an entrepreneurial and ambitious business and this is a great time to be joining one of the most respected brands in financial and corporate communications," added Nicolls, who begins his new role on 1 July. "I am looking forward to working with a great team and fantastic client portfolio.”