Downing Street digital guru signs for Freud

Jimmy Leach will join Matthew Freud’s agency on 19 November from 10 Downing Street, where he is currently head of digital comms.

Since arriving at Downing Street one year ago, Leach has been responsible for innovations including the e-petitions website that all­ows users to create, sign and distribute petitions online before delivering them to the PM digitally.

The online guru was ins­trumental in implementing Number 10’s podcast service, and oversaw the introduction of YouTube videos featuring Tony Blair.

Leach worked on the Guardian Unlimited website for six years before joining Blair’s team. He is subsequently well known among his peers in the digital arena, who see him as a pioneer of web 2.0. 

At Freud, Leach will be res­ponsible for digital strategy across the agency, reporting directly to agency MD Fiona Noble. He will aim to secure new briefs with substantial digital elements, as well as strengthening the agency’s current online off­ering to its existing clients.

Leach will also work closely with Freud’s new ad agency DFGW on its above-the-line digital campaigns. Freud acquired the advertising outfit in May of this year.

New Media Age magazine handed Leach its ‘Greatest individual contribution to new media’ award earlier this year.