Ad Agency Man Tom Ward Joins Australia's The Lab

Long-time ad agency exec Tom Ward has joined Australian cultural insights and strategy company The Lab as Executive Director.

Founded in 2006, The Lab offers a variety of brand strategy and positioning, qualitative research and insights, and semiotics services. The company also provides access to an artificial intelligence and machine learning division called Lab AI.

Ward (pictured) joins the Melbourne team after seven years at creative media agency Cummins & Partners, where he latterly served as Chief Strategy Officer. Earlier, he was MD at creative agency Naked Communications, and Head of Strategy and Insight at WPP-owned ad agency George Patterson Y&R. He began his career at Ogilvy in London, and later worked at TBWA and Clemenger BBDO.

In his new role, Ward joins The Lab's executive team to help drive the future of the business, with a remit to 'keep it ahead of trends in marketing and communications'. CEO and co-founder Neale Cotton comments: 'Tom's appointment doubles down on our strategic DNA. He is a sharp thinker and creative problem solver. We've worked with Tom for years and he's a perfect cultural fit. We couldn't be more excited for him to join The Lab family.'

Web site: www.thelabstrategy.com .