He replaces Harte-Hanks current president and CEO Larry Franklin who retires on 30 June while Christopher Harte has been appointed chairman of the board.

Philpott joins having been global managing director at mobile data collection specialist OnePoint Global.

Franklin said: “Robert has a long record of success building and transforming companies in industries experiencing rapid change. His deep understanding of how to lead a management team in the development of a strategy, building on existing strengths and adding capabilities that create even more value to our clients, is particularly important at this time.”