MediaCom North has hired Latitude operations director Rob Weatherhead to head up its new-look digital planning and buying department alongside digital strategy director Gareth Rees.

Weatherhead (pictured) is one of several new digital recruits including search account manager Steve Grave, who also previously worked at Latitude.

Omar Yousef, formerly a consultant, will handle the agency's increasing SEO business.

Duncan Jones joins from the Quayside Group while Susan McKay moves from MediaVision Scotland as digital account manager.

Paul Wheeler, managing partner at MediaCom North said: "All of the new staff have started to make a substantial contribution to our clients' businesses, and have broadened the range of services we can offer them."

Weatherhead and Rees will report to Peter Cooper, the managing director of MediaCom North Direct.