House 337 Appoints Digital Specialist James Thornett to Lead Experience Design

House337 has appointed digital specialist James Thornett as executive director for experience design with a remit to lead the agency’s digital transformation offer to brands. Taking up the role on February 27th, James will report to House337 group chief executive Phil Fearnley. He will work across existing accounts and prospect for new business. 

James is a digital leader with 20 years experience, notably launching the Government’s unified GOV.UK web platform in 2012. He joins House 337 from technology start-up Rebellion Defense, where he was head of product, design and delivery until November 2022. 

House 337 group chief executive, Phil Fearnley says, “Any business these days lives and dies by its ability to respond to the digital revolution. We feel it is vital to offer our clients the very best advice on how to transform their organisations for the new realities. In James, I believe we have found one of the very best practitioners of digital transformation in the UK and our clients will benefit hugely from his expertise. Having James on the team will be like taking out a secret weapon when we are pitching for new work.”

James says, “joining House 337 as they build up their digital transformation capabilities is a timely opportunity for me. Technological innovation and transformation have accelerated consumer demand since the pandemic so brands and businesses must rise to the challenge. I’ve been impressed by House 337’s eagerness to help brands boost their digital presence and I look forward to working with their amazing list of clients. And I’m delighted to bring my expertise into their new business drive.”

James is a specialist in digital service design and development. He worked on the initial roll-out of the BBC’s digital operations before moving to the newly-formed Government Digital Service team in the Cabinet Office. He led the launch of the award-winning GOV.UK in 2012, migrating 350 government departments and agencies onto the single platform, and advised UK and foreign governments on digital strategy.  He has led digital efforts in a variety of private sector B2C and B2B companies, advised technology start-ups on product strategy and growth, and most recently led the UK product, design and delivery teams at the AI/ML technology start-up Rebellion Defence. James is also the founder and director of The Digital Discovery Group which offers digital strategy, customer experience transformation and organisational design.