Oatey (pictured) joined 2CV eight years ago and most recently led the company’s Singapore office.

In addition, Oatey has played a key role in 2CV’s innovation work, and aims to encourage greater agility and experimentation across the business in his new role.

Blandford had temporarily replaced Sabine Cronick and James Redden, who both left 2CV earlier this year. Blandford was chief executive at 2CV between 2000 and 2024.

Paul Gaskell, group chief strategy director at 2CV, said: “What really stands out about Chris is his ability to empower the people around him. He gives teams the confidence to get on with things, explore new ideas and make decisions.

“I’m very much looking forward to supporting him in his new role as CEO and seeing where that energy and ambition takes 2CV.”

Oatey said that his prior experience at 2CV “has given me a real appreciation of what we already do exceptionally well, as well as an international perspective on the challenges our clients are facing and plenty of ideas about how we can continue to evolve, particularly through innovation and AI”.

He added: “I’m looking forward to bringing plenty of energy and optimism to the role, getting back out into the industry, reconnecting with people in the UK and continuing conversations with clients and colleagues around the world.”