Clough to Lead Evolution of STRAT7 Structure as COO

Strategic insight and customer analytics group STRAT7 has promoted Jonathan Clough to Chief Operating Officer, at the group level. He was previously CEO of subsidiary company Researchbods, at which former Director, Communities and Insight Charlotte Moody steps up to become MD.

Following significant business expansion over the past five years - the group reported a 48% increase in revenues to $76m for the fiscal year 2023, ended 30th June. Clough (pictured) as COO will look to evolve and streamline the group's operational model to aid seamless collaboration among its specialist agencies. Crowd DNA, Researchbods and Bonamy Finch focus on cultural insights, insight communities, and analytics, respectively, and the group also includes Incite, Jigsaw and Advisory, which it says 'contribute by forging strategic client relationships'.

Clough was a founding partner of Researchbods, played a pivotal role in the creation of STRAT7 in 2019, and now joins the latter's Board, which is led by CEO Barrie Brien. Clough has the tricky task of 'unifying the six agencies under a cohesive market strategy and brand identity' while 'preserving their unique specialisms [and] optimising their collective strength'. It includes the seeing up of a centralised support system for IT, HR, sales and marketing, allowing the six agencies to focus on core services.

Moody takes over Clough's operational duties at Researchbods, and as the strategic lead for the business will be responsible for maintaining its growth in the face of a challenging economic climate. Her role includes overseeing Researchbods' innovation roadmap, including development of its proprietary community platform ex-plor, and the development of new tech products. She will also work closely with the Strat7.ai team to oversee the implementation of AI tools as standard across Researchbods' daily operations; and work to consolidate its New York office and strong US growth.

Clough says the scope of his new work is 'significant and hugely exciting', adding: 'I can't wait to get started'. Brien comments: 'Jonathan's appointment is a reflection of his exceptional leadership qualities and his proven track record. As STRAT7 continues to evolve and expand, his strategic insight and leadership will be crucial for guiding us through this essential phase. We have the agencies, talent, and tech in place, now Jonathan will help ensure it is operationally the best it can be, while ensuring our culture and people are both united and fully supported to do their best work for clients'.

The group is headquartered in London, with more than 400 people across 12 locations in Europe, the US and APAC. Web site: www.strat7.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.