A POOLE-based marketing communications industry has had a change of leadership as it looks to strengthen its position as a global specialist firm. 

Jen Swain, who has lots of experience in agency leadership and operations, has been appointed chief executive of Coda. 

The move comes as the agency has seen remarkable growth, doubling both revenue and employee numbers over the past three years under the leadership of Coda’s founder Chris Lawrenson.  

Chris will be stepping into the role of senior vice president, working more strategically with global clients, leveraging his skillsets in corporate communications and industrial sector knowledge. 

Jen said: “It’s an exciting time to be at Coda, and we don't intend on standing still; 2024 and beyond is about continuing to provide the levels of agility, creativity and innovation that our clients expect and need to stay ahead of the competition and get results, as well as delivering on our purpose of supporting the most future-facing industrial and manufacturing brands worldwide to create a world made better." 

Supporting Jen will be a newly formed business performance team that is primarily focused on balancing agency growth with delivering quality marketing services for clients.  

Steve Gibson, vice president of client services, will continue managing relationships with existing clients and James Wyatt, VP of digital marketing and performance, will be developing Coda's digital marketing services. 

Mr Lawrenson said: “Coda has excelled in delivering results for clients. We have seen our client relationships outlast a typical client-agency relationship, with our longest-standing client having been with the agency for 15 years. It’s now time to take the next step in driving the agency forward.”