Arena Media has named Elliot Parkus its new Managing Director during a period of accelerated growth and new business performance.

Parkus will be responsible for managing the 150 strong UK team, with focus on client leadership, commercial growth and talent management, as well as spearheading new business.

Since joining the business as Managing Partner in June 2015, Parkus has led key accounts including Royal Mail, Domino’s and Westfield and played an instrumental role in winning a raft of new business, including Savills, Uber and the recent Universal Music.

Previous to Arena, he worked at The Specialist Works as the UK Group Director of Planning, where he was responsible for establishing the planning and client management division and launching new services including The Mobile House. Prior to that, Elliot worked for a long stint with Publicis Groupe agencies ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest.

Parkus, who has held the interim position since the departure of Henry Daglish in June, will report to Paul Frampton until a new CEO of Arena Media is appointed – an investment that will aim to further accelerate the agency’s expansion and target new economy brands, strengthening its position as Agents of Change for Growth. Parkus will use his expertise to deliver a best-in-class solution to clients, with the ability to draw on the capabilities and talent from across the Havas Media Group, including Havas Sports & Entertainment Cake and the newly launched Field Day. Elliot will also join Havas Media Group’s senior management team and play a role in helping to steer the Group strategy.

Paul Frampton, Group CEO at Havas Media Group UK and Ireland, commented: “During his short time at Arena Media, Elliot has proved himself to be a committed, top-level leader. He is widely respected by the Arena client base and his experience and passion for the industry makes him the perfect figure head to lead and continue growing Arena Media as Agents of Change for Growth.

Elliot Parkus added: “I’m very excited to be given the task of driving growth for our clients as well as the agency. Arena Media has some exciting times ahead, and I am looking forward to leading the agency into a new era of innovation.”