hedgehog lab appoints new chair

Newcastle-based product design consultancy hedgehog lab has appointed Julian Leighton as chair to support its growth strategy.

Julian brings nearly 30 years’ experience in the technology sector, having co-founded digital agency Orange Bus and later served on the board of Capita Software. 

He now works as an advisor and non-executive director to growing businesses.

In his new role, he will work closely with the board and leadership team to provide strategic guidance as the business continues to scale.

Julian said: “Orange Bus and hedgehog lab started around the same time – and, in fact, we were even in the same building during the early years. 

“I was always aware of its success and potential, so when the opportunity to get involved with the company came up, it immediately felt like a good fit. 

“This is a hands-on role and will help me scratch the itch I still have from having founded and built an agency myself. 

“I am inspired by working with talented people and I already know the team at hedgehog lab are good fun from my meetings and conversations so far. 

“With my experience, I want to support Malcolm and his team, get to know the business better, and help to create value. 

“AI has put the tech industry at an inflection point, and hedgehog lab is at the forefront of that. It’s an exciting time, but making sure we are going at the right pace is critical – agencies that strike the right balance have the potential to grow exponentially, and hedgehog lab is firmly in that sweet spot.”

Malcom Seagrave, chief executive of hedgehog lab, added: “Julian has been there and done it before – he knows our industry, and our business, really well. 

“His experience of building Orange Bus from the ground up will be hugely valuable to our team, and it’s great to welcome him on board in such a hands-on role as we look to further scale hedgehog lab in the months and years ahead.

“Having a chair of Julian’s quality is another key foundation stone for hedgehog lab. 

“With a great team, funding to scale, and an experienced leadership team in place, now it’s time for us to execute our plans and drive the business forward into its next chapter.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.