Finn (pictured) has been at Directions since 2016, most recently as chief client officer, and had prior experience as senior-level consultant and strategic partner at Kantar.

Lane joined Directions in 2010 and became president and chief executive in 2015 following the retirement of founder Randy Brooks.

In his time in post, Lane, who officially relinquishes his role on 31st December 2024, oversaw the acquisitions of Seek Company in 2018 and Aimpoint Research in 2021.

Up until the end of the year, Lane will also act in an advisory capacity to allow a smooth transition to Finn taking up the leadership role.

Brooks said: “During Jim Lane’s nine-year tenure as our second president, our revenues grew dramatically. We acquired two outstanding firms that diversified our base of business and worked to integrate these firms into a successful business model.

“We are all appreciative of Jim’s efforts, and I wish him the best in his retirement.”

Finn added: “I am honoured and humbled by this opportunity, as well as the trust and faith the board of directors and our owners have in me to lead this incredible company.

“I want to thank Randy and Jim. Randy built a great organisation. Jim led us for nearly a decade through significant organisational growth and change. As we set our sights on the future of the firm, there are still chapters to write and stories to tell.”