London, UK – Williams Lea Tag, the leading independent global marketing activation partner, has announced the appointment of Benedict Smith as Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to Group CEO, David Kassler, Benedict is the latest senior executive to be recruited as the business enters a new phase of growth, boosted since its acquisition by leading global private equity firm Advent International in December 2017.

Benedict is a long-standing CFO, with experience at the helm of private and private equity-backed businesses over the past 15 years, including at GAME Digital, where he played a key role in its floatation on the UK stock market, and at Harrods, where sales and profits more than doubled over six years under his financial leadership. Benedict joins Williams Lea Tag following three years at Hunter Boot, where he helped lead the business into new categories and markets.

David Kassler, Group CEO at Williams Lea Tag, commented, “I’m delighted to welcome Benedict to the team, particularly as we proactively explore growth opportunities, such as our recent acquisition of digital production house, Taylor James. We are driving an ambitious expansion strategy, focused on meeting the future needs of our global customers. Benedict’s extensive transformation and change experience will be invaluable as we seek to shake up the marketing agency landscape and build out a more nimble and flexible multi-discipline group.”

Benedict Smith, CFO, commented, “I’m excited to join Williams Lea Tag during such a transformational period for the company. Its operational excellence and independent, transparent business model sets the company – and its clients – up for further success, particularly at a time in which brands are increasingly resistant to opaque and expensive ad agency-led propositions.”