In his new role, Walker (pictured) will preside over company operations in its London headquarters and offices in Dubai, Riyadh, Berlin, Frankfurt, Brussels, Dublin and Johannesburg, as well as overseeing the company’s research and insights business Truth Consulting.

Walker was most recently chief communications officer at CWT and has also founded boutique capital markets firm Gainsborough.

Other prior roles include creative, development or management roles at consultancies including Hogarth Partnership (now MHP), Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Brunswick and Burson-Marsteller.

Client-side experience includes positions at Amec Foster Wheeler, Travelport and Chase Manhattan Bank.

Walker’s appointment follows the appointment of Jim Donaldson as non-executive chair last month, and the two will both work with the rest of the leadership team on a growth plan focused on embedding strategy and insights into Instinctif’s corporate, capital markets and public policy work.

The appointment also follows Matilda Andersson, formerly of Crowd DNA, joining the company as managing director of Truth.

Donaldson said: “Julian has empowered successful in-house and agency teams to deliver outstanding results over many years.
“I’m excited to work alongside someone of his calibre, in spearheading our firm’s evolution.”

Walker added: “I am particularly drawn to the opportunity presented by the blend of Instinctif and Truth capabilities, as more businesses look to data and insight to unlock growth.”