RAPP UK Appoints Carolyn Stebbings to Chief Operating & Inclusion Officer

RAPP UK has promoted Carolyn Stebbings to the newly created position of chief operating and inclusion officer. The executive role will see Carolyn overseeing the daily operations of the UK business across both RAPP and Code, whilst critically leading the charge to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion remains core to the future of the business.

Reporting into executive chair, Chris Freeland, Carolyn will now be responsible for ensuring the end-to-end operations are equipped to deliver on the agency’s core purpose of standing up for individuality. Her role will also ensure DE&I remains integral to the business strategy and at the heart of how the agency works. Tasked with building on the strong culture at RAPP which is focused on growing a more diverse and equitable workforce, Carolyn’s experience in technology and data also means she’s expertly placed to keep the business future focused, operating smartly and efficiently, whilst enabling its clients to realise their full marketing transformation ambitions.

Carolyn joined RAPP in 2008 and has held multiple roles, most recently MD at Code & SVP Data and Tech RAPP UK. In 2020 she co-chaired Omniwomen UK, is a member of the Omnicom University Alumni and an IDM Fellow. Her accolades include 50 Leading Lights in Kindness, DataIQ Top 100 for seven years running, and she was listed in the inaugural IPA iList 30. She is also on the Board of WomenInTech.org

On moving into her new role, Carolyn Stebbings said: “I am inspired to be taking on this exciting new challenge, ensuring we work effectively and not only transforming the way we work but also shifting behaviours. Falling back into old ways is not an option. We need our culture to support a new way of working, not least as an elective single mum of twins and being over 50, I’m passionate that we shouldn't be defined by who others see. We should all have the opportunity to shine, be heard and make a difference - this is my time to do my bit.”

Chris Freeland, executive chairman said: “I’m delighted we have been able to make this appointment from within the business; Carolyn brings with her the expertise, passion and respect to ensure RAPP UK continues to evolve its operational set-up and working practices, all the while remaining fit for purpose and future focused.

We want to continue to be a destination agency for talent who can bring their whole self to work, foster an environment that gets things done seamlessly, and enables the individual to shine and grow. Carolyn’s role will help do just that - establishing a framework with robust working practices that makes it easy than ever to get work done, but most importantly implicitly freeing up our people to do what only they can do.”  

Carolyn’s role commences immediately.