The Romans Appoints Dave Bennett as Executive Director, Consumer

Creative comms agency, The Romans, has appointed Dave Bennett in the newly created role of executive director, consumer.

Bennett is an PR industry heavyweight, with 30 years experience including director roles at Freuds, MSL, FleishmanHillard and Edelman. Bennett also served as global managing director at Exposure overseeing teams in London, New York and Paris, and joins from digital communications agency Rise at Seven. He has worked with some of the world’s most iconic brands and companies, from Netflix and Xbox to Converse, Diageo, Dr Martens and Uniqlo to name a few, and his experience spans consumer, corporate, and B2B work.

The new role has been created as the agency continues its extended period of growth, fuelled by a number of high profile new business wins in recent months including Heineken, Candy Crush, Mecca Bingo, and Snapchat. The business has also been developing a range of new sector specialisms including Sports and Entertainment, as well as corporate reputation headed up by Sam Hodges, also appointed as executive director last month. 

The timing of the permanent appointment coincides with UK Partner, Lucy McGettigan, taking maternity leave. During this time, Bennett will oversee all day-to-day UK operations with a focus on continuing to develop a best-in-class training and development programme for the agency, client growth and employee wellbeing. 

Dave Bennett, said: “I’ve known Joe and Lucy for years and have admired The Romans from afar, so getting the chance to come be part of the magic was something I could not turn down. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the agency to help build on the great work already happening here.”

Lucy McGettigan, commented: “Dave is easily one of the most respected, most liked, and most astute consumer comms professionals in the industry. Leading The Romans for the past few years has been the greatest joy, and one I can’t wait to return to in due course. But knowing that Dave would be coming in to steer the ship makes the transition so much easier. With his experience, and the support of our wider senior team, I am confident we’re setting ourselves up for continued success.”

The Romans currently has a headcount of over 70 in the UK, with a fee income of approximately £7.5m. Named ‘Agency of the Year’ annually since 2018, The Romans’ UK client list includes OVO Energy, Snapchat, Ben & Jerry’s and LIDL, with offices located in London, Dubai and New York. The agency recently received 10 PR Week Award shortlists.