Third Eye Design has appointed Toby Southgate, a board director at Navyblue Design Group, as client services director to help launch a New York office for the agency.
Southgate’s role will involve heading up the New York operation, targeted for 2006, and building new and existing client relationships in Europe and the US.
Speaking of the appointment Mark Noe, managing director at Third Eye Design, said: “Toby is a young man whose experience and enthusiasm of working with major blue chip clients will add to the already eclectic mix at Third Eye Design. This is a very exciting time for us all, and we are looking forward to the future.”
Third Eye Design’s move to New York comes after six months of in-depth research and planning. Third Eye already has an existing client base in the US and believes that the agency’s culture and ethos, and indeed the appointment of Southgate, will allow them to penetrate the US market with even more success.
Southgate said: “I have had three-and-a-half great years at Navyblue Design Group, where I have had the opportunity to work with some major global brands, and indeed with some excellent colleagues.
“Third Eye Design has always been a company that I have admired for their creative energy and determination.
“I can’t wait to get started and bring my knowledge and passion to an already successful company, and help to take them to another level. New York is a fantastic opportunity for us all and I am relishing the challenge.”
Navyblue had not announced a successor for Southgate as The Drum went to press.