Qualitative researcher and brand strategist Rolfe (pictured) founded and led Grasshopper Strategy and Impatience Consulting, and previously worked as head of qualitative at Mash Strategy.

His specialisms include innovation and co-creation, brand purpose, foresight, customer journeys, cultural insight and sustainability.

Chris Bland and Matt Rice-Haynes co-founded Disrupt Insight in 2023. The agency has doubled its headcount this year and picked up new briefs in sectors including technology and media.

Rice-Haynes said: “Julian doesn’t just bring more expertise to the table – he brings provocation, challenge and a fresh creative lens. At a time when our clients are asking bigger, thornier questions, he’ll be a huge asset in helping us unpick and reframe them.”