A LYMM-BASED brand and communications agency has appointed a new head of design, to provide creative lead on an increasing number of digital and experiential focused activities.

Bugler Smith hired Dean Smith from Holdens in Manchester, having previously worked on brands including Heineken, Virgin Atlantic, Coca Cola, NatWest and eBay, in London, Amsterdam and Sydney.

It is the second senior appointment since June for the agency after Ryan Gibson joined as head of social in July.

Bugler Smith’s founder and managing director, Lee Ashton said: “Dean is a brilliant addition to the team and his experience from working with global brands will help the agency and studio team to deliver innovative creative campaigns.

“He will help us increase our focus on supporting digitally-connected brands reach and engage with their audiences.

“We’re continually developing as an agency, and Dean will help us deliver campaigns that provide a long-lasting experience for our clients.”

The privately-owned business works with clients including Pets at Home, Vets4Pets, Booking.com and Lancashire Cricket.

Dean said: “I’ve been looking at the work Bugler Smith has been doing for a while now and it’s great to be able to join at an exciting time for the agency.

“Creatively we’re setting our sights on delivering meaningful digital output from brands, that directly resonate with people, providing increasing benefits for consumers.

“Events, experiential, PR and social all need plenty of digital content support, as all four can combine perfectly for long-lasting and positive experiences for brands, and their audiences.”