Management Team

Grapple is led by an experienced management team, responsible for launching some of the most pioneering digital, technology and agency businesses of recent years.

• 

  Jon Claydon

  Chairman

  Jon has been the principal architect of some of the UK's most successful and awarded agency businesses. Jon founded marketing agency Claydon Heeley, later sold to Omnicom for a consideration of £27 million. He went on to found successful digital agencies Agency Republic, Code and Work Club. Since 2000 his Agencies have won coveted 'Agency of the Year' awards seven times.

• 

  Alistair Crane

  Chief Executive Officer

  Alistair is the CEO and co-founder of Grapple. Recognised as a leading figure in digital, Alistair has over 10 years experience working with leading brands. Alistair was previously Head of Media Solutions at NAVTEQ, later acquired by Nokia for over £5bn, and prior to that, was part of the launch team at Blyk. A Media Week ’30 under 30’ winner, Alistair began his career in marketing at just 16 years of age, working for Northern & Shell, publishers of OK! Magazine and The Daily Express.

• 

  Jamie True

  Founder

  Jamie is a born entrepreneur and keen investor in emerging technology companies worldwide. At Grapple, he brings key clients together with emerging technologies from around the world to solve business challenges. Jamie previously co-founded Interclubnet PLC and ONSPEED, the largest Internet accelerator in Europe with more than a million direct customers and partnerships with BT, Wanadoo, and Google. The group subsequently floated for £25 million on AIM.

• 

  Jack Bekhor

  Chief Commercial Officer

  Jack is responsible for day-to-day commercial operations at Grapple. He has been responsible for building some of the UK's most pioneering technology companies including ONSPEED, the largest Internet accelerator in Europe that floated for £25 million on AIM.

• 

  Adam Levene

  Chief Strategy Officer

  Acknowledged as one of the leading innovators in digital, Adam advises key clients with business transformation. He was previously Head of Advertising Strategy at telecoms powerhouse Alcatel-Lucent and a member of the launch team behind Blyk. Adam is a popular conference speaker, a BIMA Awards judge, and in 2012 was awarded the inaugural New Media Age Rising Star award.

• 

  Dean Adkins

  Director of Operations

  Dean leads operations at Grapple, bringing over 17 years experience managing large delivery teams. Dean joined Grapple from marketing agency RAPP where as Development Director he was responsible for growing a technical team of 30 from the ground up. Previously, he was Group Head of Internet Operations at World Trade Group where he managed a 100-strong global operations team.

• 

  Luc Borg

  Commercial Director

  Luc leads the client services team at Grapple responsible for growing and maintaining client relationships. Luc has over 10 years commercial experience and was previously Head of Classified for the entire News International portfolio, including The Times and Sunday Times. He later joined Conrad Advertising, a full-service advertising agency as Commercial Director, responsible for diversifying revenues.

• 

  Trish Patel

  Head of Creative

  Trish oversees Grapple's award-winning creative team. Responsible for the agency's creative output, she has overseen projects for clients including McDonald's, adidas, notonthehighstreet.com and many more. Trish has 6 years experience designing for the mobile screen and was previously part of the launch team of Blyk, the world’s first advertiser-funded mobile network.

• 

  Nick Nicolas

  Finance Director

  Nick is responsible for the day to day management of the financial division. With over 25 years experience in financial consultancy, Nick has helped both nascent and established companies within the retail, manufacturing and technology industries. Nick has a BA hons degree in Business Studies and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.