The new role has been created as part of Leapfrog’s expansion. The agency said Brooks will be responsible for taking it through a period of “significant growth”.

At GSK, Brooks managed the pharmaceutical giant’s global marketing strategy for consumer healthcare products including Panadol. Before joining GSK he worked for marketing agency DIA and helped set up strategy consultancy Distillery.

CEO Judy Taylor said Brooks was a “fantastic addition” to the management team.

Brooks said: “This role gives me a chance to shape a business that has the people, ambition and client base to continue to grow on a global scale… Research has an ongoing and crucial role to play in marketing – I want to make sure it is a conversation taking place at boardroom level.”