Pete Wrathmell Takes the Reigns at Social

Purpose-driven communications agency Social has appointed Pete Wrathmell as its new Managing Director.

Pete joined the company in 2014 as an Account Director in Manchester, before setting up the agency’s Leeds office in 2016. The certified B-Corp business employs 25 staff across its Manchester, Leeds, London and Liverpool offices.

The move also sees founder and former Chief Executive John Quinton-Barber stepping into a new role as Partnerships Director & Executive Chairman. John founded Social 10 years ago and has established the company as one of country’s leading communications agencies across the place, built environment, housing, education, local government, ESG and professional services sectors.

Pete said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the leadership of Social as we head into our second decade. John and I have known each other for nearly 20 years and I’m proud to continue the legacy that he’s created. We’ve always taken a values-led approach to life at Social – whether that’s the internal team culture or how we work in partnership with our clients.

“And that will continue to guide us as an agency; creating the conversations that drive positive social change.

“We begin 2024 with energy and confidence, with a dynamic leadership team in place and an incredibly talented and hard-working team. We’re grateful to the clients who put their trust in us to continually deliver a first-rate service – and with a refreshed brand and new website coming soon, there’s lots to look forward to in the months ahead.”

It’s a real privilege to take on the leadership of Social as we head into our second decade – John and I have known each other for nearly 20 years and I’m proud to continue the legacy that he’s created
Pete Wrathmell

Quinton-Barber added: “This moment of succession was always going to come for me, and I’m delighted to be handing over the leadership of Social to Pete and his senior colleagues. I am incredibly proud of the business that I founded in 2013 and all that we have achieved over the last decade.

“I am looking forward to my new role which will see me doing what I enjoy the most by supporting our clients with strategic counsel whilst still being available to Pete and the team as they implement their new vision for Social.”

Social is a full-service communications agency which is committed to delivering a positive social impact through its work. Founded 10 years ago, it has offices in Manchester, Leeds, London and Liverpool and it became a certified B-Corp business in 2022.

Social has established itself as a nationally leading communications agency in the place, built environment, housing, education, local government, ESG and professional services sectors. The agency’s client roster includes National Grid, Extra MSA Group, Caddick Developments, The Growth Company, One Manchester, JLL, Assura, NP11, and the London Sustainable Development Commission.

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