Rhodri Harries, deputy managing director of GCI London Limited, is to become managing director of leading independent PR consultancy Kaizo and will join the board of parent company The Argyll Consultancies PLC with effect from 10 April 2007, reporting to executive chairman Rosemary Brook.

The post is a new one and a key element in the strategic and structural review initiated by Argyll CEO Crispin Manners to take advantage of growth opportunities opened up by the rapid growth of social networks and user generated content.

Harries’ arrival will free Manners to focus on accelerating the development of innovative services such as word of mouth communications, active listening and direct engagement and involvement of consumers, which are already attracting new clients and revenue to Kaizo. As signalled by Argyll last October, Manners will step down as Argyll CEO, with effect from 1 April 2007, now that the new Kaizo MD has been appointed, remaining on the Argyll board as its principal shareholder and Director of Service Innovation.

Manners commented: “We have transformed Kaizo in recent years from a business that was largely dependent on a single sector to one that offers the range of value-added corporate and communications services that clients expect in the a world of constant business and new media innovation. Rhodri’s experience makes him absolutely the right person to lead Kaizo’s further development and growth; he is driven by a similar passion for giving clients only the best and for creating a dynamic environment where careers can flourish. I look forward to working with him to make Kaizo the first choice for innovative communications solutions for ambitious brands and organisations.”

Harries joins just as Kaizo announced a significant win with Unilever for pan-European strategic communications for the Flora brand. It is also developing a truly innovative consumer engagement solution for its client Accantia - owner of the Simple brand of skincare products. Other key clients include: Docklands Light Railway, Elsevier, Epson, Network Appliance and Rockwell Automation.

Commenting on his appointment, Harries said: “I am delighted to be joining Kaizo at this time and am looking forward to working closely with Crispin, Rosemary, Vivien and the rest of the management team. The agency has been at the forefront of innovation for the last few years and we will be building on this approach as we move forwards to offer something that really stands out in the market. With its energy and clear vision I am very confident of Kaizo’s growth potential across multiple sectors and services.”

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