Andy will be responsible for developing and driving digital communication strategies for new and existing clients, as well as providing consultancy and guidance on digital elements of their PR campaigns.

Whiteoaks MD James Kelliher said: "Andy's wealth of digital experience and understanding of the broad set of communications tools, techniques, channels and content needed to engage with multiple audiences will make him an asset to the organization.

"This role is one of the many senior positions that have been created at Whiteoaks in the last year to support the highly talented teams which deliver real results for clients across all areas."

His digital experience includes managing pan-European social media monitoring for a major automotive manufacturer, directing social media and lead generation campaigns for a leading global telecoms operator, building community and collaboration portals for UK GPs and creating open source information solutions for the intelligence community.

He has previously worked with organisations including Reuters, The Independent, Jaguar Land Rover, Daily Mail, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Jane's Information Group.