Ogilvy One Unveils New UK Leadership

Ogilvy UK has revealed the new leadership team that will take the helm of its customer experience and engagement arm, Ogilvy One.

Charlie Ryder and Alan Makepeace have been promoted internally to joint managing directors. Charlie has been instrumental in driving creatively led direct marketing activations for fabric of the nation brands such as Sainsbury’s, while Alan has served as a global lead on JDE Peet’s and Philips. Ed Turner joins as head of strategy from EssenceMediaCom, where he led strategy across Europe for The Coca-Cola Company’s specialist agency WPP Studio X, which Ogilvy UK also partners. They will report into Ogilvy group UK CEO James Murphy.

The trio will complete the UK team which includes the creative leadership of ECDs Angus George and Johnny Watters. They will now each be tasked with growing Ogilvy One’s unique approach to customer experience, which currently offers a range of services spanning customer acquisition, service design and continuous commerce and CRM and loyalty.

The new leadership suite emerges after Clare Lawson’s promotion to global president of Ogilvy One, less than a year after serving as CEO, EMEA, when the business made a lauded return under new stewardship in March 2024. 

During Clare’s tenure as EMEA CEO, Ogilvy One was appointed by Pets at Home to lead on the brand’s strategic CRM programmes, and more recently was shortlisted in the customer engagement category at Campaign’s Agency of the Year Awards. 

James Murphy, CEO, Ogilvy Group UK said, “Charlie and Alan’s expertise, energy and passion made them the natural choices to lead Ogilvy One in the UK. They’re a great partnership to build on the momentum the brilliant Clare Lawson has given Ogilvy One.”

Charlie Ryder and Alan Makepeace, managing directors, Ogilvy One UK said, "Ogilvy One UK is on a mission to redefine customer engagement. It's an honour to lead this talented team as we push the boundaries of what's possible. We've seen a phenomenal appetite for our data-powered, creatively-driven approach. We're partnering with some truly inspiring brands, crafting meaningful experiences that resonate with customers and drive real results. We can't wait to see what we accomplish together.”

Ed Turner, head of strategy, Ogilvy One UK said, “Ogilvy One’s focus on designing experiences that are both memorable and add real value to a customer’s day is an incredibly motivating and meaningful north star. From the pain of booking a GP appointment to the unbridled joy of reaching platinum status in the Pizza Express app, we can all relate to how these experiences will shape strongly held and often permanent beliefs about a brand or organisation. Whether it’s a shop floor, loyalty program or mobile app – what holds true is that commercially valuable, lifelong customer relationships are built on consistently delivering positive experiences. We have great clients, big ideas and bucket loads of momentum. I can’t wait to join this super talented bunch.”

Clare Lawson, global president, Ogilvy One said, “In twelve short months since Ogilvy One returned we have built palpable momentum putting creativity back at the heart of the customer engagement category. The UK is a powerhouse for the global business and our growth, so I'm extremely pleased to be handing over to a talented trio who have such complimentary skills, including bringing Ed's media and integrated planning background into our team. Together they will help us continue to elevate the power of emotional connection and innovation in customer engagement.”