Ex-True Head Of Digital Joins Claxon As Head Of Growth

Article was originally published on Mumbrella on February 8th, 2024

Independent agency Claxon has announced Brian Collins – ex-True head of digital – as its new head of growth.

The announcement

Full-service Independent, Claxon has appointed Brian Collins into the newly established role of head of growth, reporting directly to chief growth officer Jade Axford. Collins also joins the agency’s senior leadership team.

Collins’ immediate remit is responsibility for new client partnerships – globally – across the agency’s entire integrated service offering as Claxon moves onto the global stage via an ambitious acquisition and expansion strategy.

Jade Axford, chief growth officer of Claxon, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Growth Team. His exceptional track record and extensive experience in the media landscape make him the ideal leader to spearhead our agency’s expansion efforts, both locally and globally. Brian’s deep passion for his craft aligns seamlessly with our culture, which places high value on curiosity, creativity, and collaborative spirit. As we move forward, Brian’s leadership will play a pivotal role in helping our clients navigate and excel in this transformative era driven by digital and AI technologies.

With a stellar international career including senior leadership roles both agency and client-side, Collins was most recently Head of Digital at True and, before that, Head of UK Media for Ogilvy UK, Global Head of Digital Performance for Strong Roots & Head of Digital for ContentCal (now part of Adobe).

Collins brings more than 15 years of experience to Claxon, solving digital problems to drive client growth, working across some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Mattel, Nokia, Colgate, Rolls Royce, Bacardi, Vodafone and The European Parliament.

Of his new role, Collins said: “I’m thrilled to be taking on this new challenge, which will allow me to leverage key capabilities that Claxon has invested in, particularly integrating AI into clients’ marketing strategies.”

“My heart will always be in paid social & eCommerce, but an omnichannel approach is required as the landscape has changed. In recent years, my focus has moved towards growth. I’m super excited to finally join the agency that was my first pick when moving to Australia at a pivotal time in their evolutionary journey.”

Daniel Willis, chairman & CEO, Claxon said: “After a two-year courtship and Brian packing up his life and moving from the UK to Australia, it’s great to finally have him onboard. His appointment follows our people ethos of “Better people are better”, and he brings a wealth of experience, charisma, and good old Irish humour into a key role as we continue to scale up.”

Collins’ appointment is effective immediately.