Oates steps in as MD for the agency’s corporate offer following the departure of Mark Lyons.
At Betfair Oates oversaw all external and internal comms, but set up his own agency Oates & Partners earlier this year after losing his job amid comms cuts at the betting exchange.
Starting the role this week, Oates will lead work with clients including Molson Coors, John Lewis, Energy UK, Capgemini and Total Jobs.
Before Betfair, he was global business media manager at SABMiller and an associate partner at agency Luther Pendragon.
Mike Morgan, The Red Consultancy CEO, said: "At Betfair and SABMiller Jonathan has worked in big but highly regulated markets. Such complex marketplaces require someone highly skilled, and these skills will help us continue the growth of our corporate offer."
PRWeek revealed last month that Mark Lyons was leaving the agency after four years to set up a new practice with former ITN colleague Ben McCarthy.
