HGA, the live events agency founded in 1989, have undergone exciting new developments within their board of directors. Ian Austin, formerly Head of Digital, has been appointed to the board and promoted to Digital Director & Deputy MD as of June 2018.

After four years with HGA, he joins original co-founders Michael Henderson and Ian Grime as well as Managing Director Dan Laurence on the board, to help grow and develop the business as it enters its 30th year.

This move follows an exciting period of growth for the agency, particularly for the digital department, with several big client wins this year including Tropical Blinds, Euler Hermes, pladis and Brakes. The team, led by Austin, delivers both standalone digital projects and supports HGA’s live events services with dynamic event technology solutions. From websites, software and apps – the team covers complete design, build and development projects.

As well as continuing to grow HGA’s digital offering, Austin will also undertake wider operational and strategic responsibilities to help drive the business growth plans.

Ian Austin commented: “It’s a privilege to be promoted to the board in my new dual role, which allows me to augment my digital expertise with my commercial ability and awareness. I’ll be helping to drive the business forward across a much broader operational area. It’s an amazing opportunity to work with a fantastic management team who have nurtured the established business we have today as we begin our journey on a strategy to deliver high-growth over the next three years.”

Dan Laurence added: “We’re an agency that prides itself on its people and the talent and quality of our team is what sets us apart. Ian is a shining example of that talent and alongside his natural business acumen is someone whom I’m delighted will be playing a more active role in the future direction of HGA.

“Our company ethos is to Challenge The Ordinary, so innovation and the role digital technology plays is critical in the way we push boundaries and deliver imaginative and unforgettable experiences for our clients. Ian’s mindset is to think big and think differently which fits perfectly with our ambitions and strategy. This is a richly deserved appointment and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”

Adam Parry
Author: Adam Parry

Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.