21 Degrees Digital appoints board advisor

Leeds-based digital marketing agency 21 Degrees Digital has appointed former Search Laboratory chief executive Chris Attewell as board advisor following a record year of growth.

Chris will support the agency’s commercial strategy, expansion into new markets and longer-term growth plans as it builds on reaching £1 million turnover.

He previously led Leeds-headquartered Search Laboratory, helping grow the business from a specialist multilingual PPC agency into one of the UK’s largest independent agencies.

Search Laboratory was acquired by global communications group Havas in 2022, with Chris remaining as chief executive until 2025.

Following his departure, he launched REALISE Advisory, providing board advisory, growth strategy and commercial training services to marketing agency leaders.

Chris, who has known 21 Degrees Digital chief executive and co-founder Rory Mason since their time at Search Laboratory, said: “It is nice to be in a position where I can share knowledge, experience and what I've learned to help other businesses. 

“Having known Rory since the Search Laboratory days, and having followed the development of his work since then, it is a great opportunity to get involved, help, share that knowledge and add value.

“Working with someone who is running a business that’s very forward-looking, understands the need to evolve and change, and is excited about change, is exactly the kind of business that I’m interested in working with.

“21 Degrees Digital has a diverse set of skills, expertise and experience. 

“Looking at Rory’s background in PR, social and search, all of those things coming together creates a proposition that fits exactly what clients need to succeed in today’s world of complex multi-channel customer journeys.”

Chris’ appointment comes as 21 Degrees Digital looks to continue its expansion and navigate changes across the marketing sector driven by artificial intelligence.

Rory added: “AI is having an enormous impact on our industry and is already reshaping the future of digital marketing.

“Having someone of Chris Attewell’s experience, knowledge and calibre joining us as a board advisor is a hugely significant moment for 21 Degrees Digital as we continue to grow, evolve and define our place within an increasingly complex, competitive and fast-moving industry.”

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