Holt (pictured) was previously a senior business director leading fast-moving consumer goods and technology work at InSites Consulting.

At Verve, Holt will be tasked with supporting clients across brand, innovation, customer experience and shopper.

Holt will be based in Verve’s recently opened Manchester hub and will work alongside executive director Kelly McKnight, who was hired earlier this year by Verve build out the company’s culture and trends, semiotics and social intelligence practice.

Andrew Cooper, founder and chief executive at Verve, said: “Kelly and Gav are tasked with building an inspiring home for inspiring team members to grow their insights and culture career – as well as help deliver some of the brilliant things we have in the pipeline for 2022.

“Together they bring fantastic ideas, experience and thinking to our in-it-together, global team – we’re really excited to share what’s next.”