Simon ‘Bertie’ Broadbent, deputy creative director of Refinery is to leave the agency having accepted the role of creative director at The Foundry.

Broadbent joined the Manchester-based creative agency to work alongside Refinery’s creative directors David Pye and Tom Barron in March of this year having previously served as creative director of Connectpoint before it became part of the Amaze agency in September of last year.

Refinery is now actively searching for Broadbent’s successor and hopes to have the position filled as soon as possible.

Broadbent will take over heading up the creative department at The Foundry, a role currently handled by its managing director Kevin Murphy.

Nigel Papworth, managing director of Reinfery, commented: “It’s been great having Bertie’s input and enthusiasm as part of our team for the past few months and we wish him all the best in his new role.

Papworth added that the agency, which has a turnover of around £7million, is also currently on the acquisition trail.

“At a time when many agencies are looking to sustain their position, we are looking positively to future growth both organically and by acquisition,” he said.